DRAMATIC video footage has emerged of the moment a passenger was rescued by the crew of CalMac's Arran ferry.

The incident happened as MV Isle of Arran was approaching Ardrossan harbour near the end of a regular sailing from Brodick on Monday evening.

The video was shot by AJ Morton who was on board the ferry with his wife as it made its way to the harbour.

And it was AJ who finally spotted the women in the water. And his wife, an NHS nurse, was on hand to get the wet clothes from her and begin to warm her up until emergency services arrived.

The woman who fell from the ferry was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital. Her current condition has not been revealed.

AJ said: "Nobody could find the victim struggling in the dangerously cold Atlantic.

"Using my wee scope, I spotted her just in time. She'd already drifted quite a distance from one side of the ship to the other and was now rushing further out to sea.

"I pointed her out to the nearest (also frantically scanning) staff and yelled 'There she is' as loudly as possible.

"The ship was then masterfully manoeuvred for rescue and the poor woman was brought on board using a fast new lifeboat.

"My wife, an NHS nurse, rushed to get the wet clothes off her and begin the difficult process of warming her up.

"She stayed by her side till the ship was docked. I'm so proud. All I did was point and yell.

"CalMac and my missus saved a life today."

The passenger was transferred to the care of the emergency services who were waiting at Ardrossan harbour.

Another witness, Steffi Notrom said on Facebook: "It was truly a remarkable rescue.

"While the lady was struggling in the water, dolphins surrounded her. She was spotted, then lost, my husband had his binoculars and yelled and pointed.

"CalMac got in the lifeboat and dragged her out and hoisted her onboard.

"The captain and crew were very trained and organised. Crew brought us all supplies needed to warm her up. NHS staff was on board by sheer coincidence and we got her warm, assessed and then police and ambulance arrived.

"I wish her a speedy recovery, look after yourself and your loved ones."

Craig Ramsay, fleet management director at CalMac Ferries Ltd, said: “As the vessel MV Isle of Arran approached Ardrossan on the evening of Monday June 10, a passenger entered the water.

"They were quickly recovered using the vessel’s rescue craft, following the emergency procedures regularly exercised by the crew.

“An investigation into the circumstances will follow, in line with our protocol in this situation.

"I would like to thank CalMac colleagues and the emergency services for their fast response.”