Divers recover two bodies from Firth of Clyde after tugboat capsized

The bodies of two people have been pulled from the water the day after the boat sank near Greenock, Inverclyde.

25th Feb 2023

Two bodies have been recovered by divers carrying out an underwater search after a tugboat capsized in the River Clyde.

They were removed from the water on Saturday – almost 24 hours after the boat sank in the Firth of Clyde near Greenock, sparking a major search and rescue operation.

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

It had been understood two people were on the boat when it capsized.

On Friday evening, a coastguard spokesman told how its rescue teams from both Helensburgh and Greenock had been scrambled, along with a lifeboat from Helensburgh RNLI and the coastguard helicopter from Prestwick.

The spokesman added: “Multiple vessels on the Clyde in the vicinity of the incident also responded, including an MoD Police vessel.”

Police Scotland confirmed on Friday that officers from the force’s dive and marine unit and the air support unit had been involved in the search operation.

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.

Chief Inspector Damian Kane, local area commander, 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.”