19 January 2012 Last updated at 12:43 ET

Search for man missing from yacht near Arran stood down

The Royal Navy rescue helicopter from Prestwick was involved in the search

The search for a man feared missing overboard from a yacht near Arran has been stood down and passed to police.

The alarm was first raised on Wednesday afternoon when the crew of a fishing vessel found an empty yacht in Kilbrannan Sound.

A search, including lifeboats, a navy helicopter and the coastguard, was conducted and resumed on Thursday.

Clyde Coastguard said the search had been stood down after there was no sign of the man.

Family informed

On Wednesday and Thursday, coastguard teams in Arran, Kames, Tarbet, Rothsay and Carradale had searched the shoreline, while two lifeboats were in the water.

The Royal Navy helicopter from Prestwick also aided the search.

Clyde Coastguard watch manager Irene Reid said: "The search had continued again today with no sign of the missing man.

"The police have informed the missing man's next of kin and the incident has now been passed to Strathclyde Police for further inquiries."