A pal of a sailor who died when his tugboat capsized in the Firth of Clyde has paid tribute to "a very good seaman and great friend".
George Taft, of Greenock, was one of two crewmen who died when tugboat Biter overturned as it escorted a cruise ship into harbour in the Inverclyde town on Friday. A massive search and rescue operation was launched on Friday, with the bodies of Mr Taft and another crew member discovered by police divers on Saturday.
Retired seaman Kenny Kemp, who worked with George at another maritime firm in Wales, was among those to pay tribute to his fellow sailor. He told the Record: "I have a lot of memories of George – a very good seaman and great friend.
"He worked at Holyhead Towing for many years. He liked to cook and was a quiet reserved guy.
"I have spoke to him many times since I retired and we always had good banter about times working together. He'll be sadly missed."
Other sailors took to social media to share their own memories of Mr Taft. Timothy Helmer, who also worked with Mr Taft in Holyhead, wrote on social media: "Sleep well and give that Davy Jones a good kicking. You were a good friend and brother of the sea.
"Tonight I'll drink rum to you. I'll remember the laughs we had every two or three years when our ocean paths met on route to wherever.
"I'll miss the joy we had laughing about the madness in the world. RIP George Taft."
Speaking to the Record, Mr Helmer added that he credited his time on the sea to the Greenock seafarer. He said: "He was great company – probably one of the blokes who shaped me into this career, or should I say, way of life. It's passion more than a job for men like us.
"I know this because I was fresh out of fishing, single dad, bit lost on what to do next, working the rock barges. He used to give us a lift out to the rock dumper.
"Watching him chuck his ole tug around made me think about being a fishing skipper in my late twenties. Nineteen years later, I'm still doing it. I've towed cargo around the world since – thanks George."
Another maritime worker said: "George was always good to me and a good friend, had many a laugh with him. RIP George God bless you."
A third said: "God bless George and your decky [deckhand]. Have a pint in heaven's harbour now mate, RIP."
Emergency services were scrambled to the waters just outside the East India Harbour in Greenock at around 3pm on Saturday after the Biter, operated by Clyde Marine Services, overturned. The boat had been escorting the charter cruise ship the Hebridean Princess into harbour at the time of the incident.
Police Scotland and HM Coastguard spent over four hours staging a rescue operation before standing down at 8pm as night fell. Police divers resumed the search on Saturday and tragically discovered the bodies of Mr Taft and his fellow crewman at around 1.40pm.
In a statement published on its website, Clyde Marine Services said: "Clyde Marine Services Ltd is deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members following an incident on Friday 24 February 2023. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the two men at this most difficult of times.
"The company is fully co-operating with the official investigations which are ongoing. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate to comment further."
The identity of the second sailor has not been released by police. However, Police Scotland confirmed on Saturday that the next-of-kin for both crew had been informed of their deaths.
Chief Inspector Damian Kane, local area commander, said on Saturday: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the men at this difficult time. 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.”
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