Three men have been rescued after a crash between a fishing vessel and a tanker in the Firth of Clyde.

The incident happened between Ardrossan and Arran at around 3pm on Thursday, April 25.

The fishing boat sank after the collision, though none of the three men who were rescued are said to have been injured.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been notified. 

The RNLI's Troon and Arran lifeboats were called out to the scene, as were HM Coastguard rescue helicopters from Inverness and Stornoway.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed an RAF Poseidon aircraft was involved in the emergency response.

CalMac's MV Isle of Arran ferry was also asked to assist, with sailings between Ardrossan and Brodick delayed as a result.

The RNLI said the three men had been taken back to the lifeboat station in Troon, where they were handed over to ambulance crews.

Police Scotland said it had been informed of the incident at around 4pm.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard told the Herald on Thursday afternoon that it was "co-ordinating the response to reports of a vessel collision on the Firth of Clyde", and that the service had been alerted at around 3pm.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: “On Thursday, April 25, Troon and Arran RNLI lifeboats launched to a fishing vessel in distress between the Isle of Arran and the Ayrshire coast.

“The casualties were taken back to Troon lifeboat station and transferred into the care of the ambulance service.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 4pm on Thursday, April 25, 2024, we were made aware of a collision at sea involving a fishing vessel and a tanker in the Firth of Clyde, near Ardrossan.

“HM Coastguard rescued three men and transported them to land.

“There are no reported injuries.

“The fishing vessel sank and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been notified.”

An MoD spokesman added: “An RAF Poseidon was involved in the emergency response."

A spokesperson for Peel Ports, which is the statutory harbour authority for the Clyde, said: “We are aware of a collision between a tanker and fishing vessel off the coast of Arran.

"We understand that there are no injured parties and all crew members are safe and well. There are also no risks to the environment.

“The Coastguard leading the incident response has now stood down and a further investigation will follow, led by the MAIB.

"As the Statutory Harbour Authority we will provide any support they require.”