THE skipper of the Renfrew Ferry has rescued a woman who "drove her car at full speed" into the River Clyde.
An eyewitness told the our sister paper The Glasgow Times: "I heard the sirens first and rushed right up to my window.
"You know what normally happens if there’s sirens here - there’s maybe been a fire nearby or someone’s taken unwell.
"When I looked out and didn’t see any smoke, I was obviously curious. I saw all the blue lights over at the ferry and messaged my sister - I said there’s something happened.
"The ferry was sitting on the other side. I’d wondered if someone had taken unwell on the ferry at first.
"I’ve saw a few people getting pulled from the river - I live right here, and it’s always a shame.
"More lights came - a fire engine and paramedic.
"When I saw it happen, there was a few things floating about but I have no clue if it’s related."
The Renfrew Ferry is off after someone drove at speed into the Clyde .... pic.twitter.com/fxeJp9blwT
— BARRA (@BARRA72) May 27, 2020
The service provider apologised to its customers on social media and said ferry journeys would be suspended until further notice.
A spokesperson for Renfrew Ferry tweeted: "Hi folks, our apologies, the ferry is off for a while as we have had a major incident.
"A lady drove her car at speed into the river.
"Fortunately our skipper went in and dragged her out so no one was hurt.
"We need to get the car removed and will update ASAP."
Hi folks our apologies the ferry is off for a while we have had a major incident. A lady drove her car at speed into the river. Fortunately our skipper went in and dragged her out so no one was hurt.
— Renfrew Ferry (@therenfrewferry) May 27, 2020
We need to get the car removed and will update asap
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Shortly before 1pm, police received a report of a car in the River Clyde, close to the Renfrew ferry crossing.
"A 52-year-old woman was rescued from the vehicle by members of the public and is being checked over by paramedics at the scene.
"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances. Support units including the marine unit are in attendance whilst the car is recovered.
"The ferry terminal is likely to be closed as a result."
Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond
******************
Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say the future of local newspapers and the vital service we have provided for many years is under threat.
Please consider supporting The Gazette in whatever way you can - by paying just 90p for a copy of the newspaper when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others or by subscribing to our e-edition here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here