Rescue divers find two bodies after tugboat capsizes near Greenock

Divers searching for survivors after a tugboat capsized yesterday afternoon have recovered the bodies of two men.

A major rescue operation was launched after the vessel sank in the Firth of Clyde, near Greenock, Inverclyde, at around 3.30pm on Friday.

Police Scotland, the coastguard and RNLI had all been called to the scene after the boat went under the water at the Custom House Quay.

Rescue efforts resumed at 8am this morning and divers found two bodies at around 1.40pm. It is understood two men were om the boat when it capsized.

Formal identification has yet to take place, however the next of kin of both crew members who had been reported missing have been made aware, police said.

Chief Inspector Damian Kane said: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the men at this difficult time and I would ask that their privacy is respected.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and support as searches were ongoing and as we continue to carry out our enquiries.”

Green MSP for the West of Scotland, Ross Greer, said: “This is devastating news.

“All of our thoughts and prayers are very much with the family, friends and colleagues of those involved.”

He added: “I also pay tribute to the coastguard, RNLI and all those who assisted with the search and rescue effort.

“Investigators should now be given the space needed to look into the circumstances of this terrible incident.

“In the meantime, I offer my condolences and those of the Scottish Greens at this most difficult of times.”

The operation forced the nearby Beacon Arts Centre to cancel performances on Saturday evening, as well as youth theatre and other classes and rehearsals that had been scheduled for Sunday.