A tugboat that capsized in the River Clyde leading to the tragic deaths of two crew members has been recovered.
The crane ship Lara 1, from Liverpool, arrived in Greenock on Sunday morning to start a recovery mission as police also implemented a 200m exclusion zone and drone ban around the waters.
George Taft, 65, and Ian Catterson, 73, tragically lost their lives when the vessel sunk last month after the tug 'Biter' capsized off Custom House Quay in Greenock.
The vessel, operated by Clyde Marine Services, had been escorting the Hebridean Princess cruise ship into the harbour around 3.30pm on Friday, February 24.
Rescue teams were alerted and arrived at the scene, reportedly tapping on the hull to try and get a response from anyone inside as the vessel started to drift beneath the water, but only minutes later, the boat sank.
The bodies of the two crew members, George and Ian, were recovered the following day.
The recovery mission of the boat has now been completed and the vessel will be taken to Rhu.
Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the tragic incident alongside the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “An operation to recover the tugboat which capsized in the River Clyde off Custom House Quay in Greenock on Friday, 24 February is due to take place over the course of Saturday, 11 March and Sunday, 12 March.
“An investigation to establish the full circumstances is ongoing, in conjunction with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.”
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