Police have recovered the bodies of two men in the River Clyde after a tugboat capsized near Greenock.
Earlier we told how the major rescue operation resumed after the vessel capsized off Custom House Quay in Greenock at around 3.30pm on Friday.
The operation had been stood down and "handed over" to Police Scotland from Coastguard when their involvement came to an end at 8pm last night after almost five hours of searching.
Emergency services remained at the scene and divers were seen searching the water this afternoon.
Two bodies have now sadly been recovered. Eye-witnesses at the scene said the bodies were pulled from the water shortly before 2pm on Saturday.
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.
Earlier West Scotland MSP Neil Bibby tweeted: "Very concerning news about the distressing accident off Greenock. My thoughts are with the crew, their families and the rescue team at this worrying time."
The major search operation last night also included Helensburgh RNLI lifeboat, several police launch boats and rescue crafts from vessels in the area who went to the scene when the alarm was raised.
Some witnesses to the emergency said they feared crew had become trapped when the boat capsized. Pictures from the scene showed what appeared to be the boat sinking while rescue teams assisted.
They reportedly tapped on the hull trying to get a response from anyone inside as the vessel started to drift beneath the water. It is reported that "minutes later", the boat sank.
The tug boat, called the Biter, which is operated by Clyde Marine Services, was escorting the Hebridean Princess cruise ship into the harbour at about 3.30pm when it was apparently pulled over.
Police cordoned off the area near Custom House Quay in the Inverclyde town while the search continued into night fall.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: "Around 1.40pm on Saturday, February 25, the bodies of two men were recovered off Custom House Quay, Greenock after a tugboat capsized on Friday, February 24.
"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.”
“Officers, including Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit, are at the scene as enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.”
A Coastguard spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard has been responding to reports of a capsized vessel off Custom House Quay in Greenock today, February 24.
"It is believed the vessel had two crew members onboard.
"Just before 3.30pm Coastguard Rescue Teams from Helensburgh and Greenock, a lifeboat from Helensburgh RNLI and the Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick were sent to assist and searched the area.
"Multiple vessels on the Clyde in the vicinity of the incident also responded, including an MOD Police vessel.
"The Coastguard's involvement in the surface search was terminated at 8pm."
Police Scotland have been contacted.
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