A BOAT had to be rescued off the coast of Ardrossan early on Tuesday morning.

The vessel got in to difficulty with a fouled propeller and was drifting towards the shoreline at Seamill - and the Ardrossan to Arran ferry diverted to help.

Ardrossan Coastguard responded immediately with Troon Lifeboat also being requested to launch to assist. The MV Isle of Arran was diverted from it’s planned crossing from Ardrossan to Brodick to assist.

The Isle of Arran was quickly on scene and launched its Fast Rescue Craft who successfully got a line onto the casualty vessel to tow it clear from the rocky shoreline.

As the Coastguard arrived on scene just south of Seamill, team members were kitted up in full water rescue equipment should the situation deteriorate and an immediate water rescue be required.

Troon’s All Weather Lifeboat arrived on scene a short time later and took the casualty vessel under tow to Clyde Marina in Ardrossan. Everyone was then checked over and declared safe and well on arrival in the marina in Ardrossan.

A spokesman for CalMac said: “The 0825 sailing from Ardrossan was called to assist in a mayday situation by the Coastguard and responded. After assisting, the vessel arrived in Brodick approximately 30 minutes late.”