A COMPASSIONATE Inverclyde couple have set up a fundraiser to provide comfort to the families affected by the Greenock tug tragedy.

Brian and Sadie Burt are appealing to people across Inverclyde to donate whatever they can in memory of George Taft, 65, from Greenock, and Ian Catterson, 73, from Millport.

The men tragically died when the tug they were on, Biter, capsized while assisting the Hebridean Princess cruise ship off Custom House Quay on Friday.

Heartfelt donations have generated hundreds of pounds for George and Ian's families in just a few days.

Brian is a marine radio operator and repairer and heard the voices of the seafarers on shipping radio just hours before tragedy struck.

Brian, 71, said: "They were chatting away as normal.

"I used to hear them quite a lot when I was going through the channels.

"I've been really affected by it and feel we must do something to help.

"You don't expect to go to your work in the morning and not come home.

"We just thought this would be a good thing to do to help the families.

"I feel really strongly about it."

Brian's wife Sadie, 81, added: "I think this tragedy has struck everyone and really affected people.

"We have to let the families them know people are thinking about them and they're not alone.

"Knowing people care about them will hopefully give them a bit of comfort.

"These are difficult times but the people of Inverclyde are always very generous."

Brian has been involved in radio since he was 16 and gained a marine radio operator licence from Ofcom 15 years ago.

He's also been part of Royal Heart Greyhound Rescue for 10 years and recently received an Inverclyde Inspiration award.

The dedicated volunteer said the money raised from the appeal he ha set up will be passed on to be split evenly between the families of the victims.

Brian hopes that the people of Inverclyde will pull together in memory of the lost seafarers.

He added: "There's a big marine community in Inverclyde.

"If everyone involved in the industry puts in £5, we will raise a fantastic amount."

*To donate to the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachel-anderson-649