Greenock tug tragedy report to be published in coming weeks

Crew members George Taft, 65, and Ian Catterson, 73, died when their vessel, the Biter, overturned while assisting a cruise ship off Custom House Quay 20 months ago.

An interim report into the tragedy by the UK Government's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) was published in March.

However, the Telegraph can reveal the final version of the report has now been completed. 

A draft report has been issued for a 30-day consultation before the investigators' findings are made public.

The sunken tug Biter was recovered a week after the tragedy in March 2023. An MAIB spokesperson said :"In terms of the investigation into Biter, the draft investigation report is currently in consultation and we hope to publish the final report later this year."

The Biter, operated by Clyde Marine Services, had been escorting the Hebridean Princes on February 24 last year.

A major search and rescue operation was launched when it capsized, trapping the two men on board.

The bodies of George, from Greenock, and Ian, from Millport, were recovered the following day by divers.

READ MORE: Accident investigators publish latest update into Greenock tug tragedy (March 2024)

Two weeks later the 41-year-old tugboat was lifted from the seabed and taken away for examination.

The MAIB interim report found that the tugboat 'girted and capsized' at about 3:30pm while attached to the stern of the Hebridean Princess as she made her approach towards Greenock’s James Watt Dock.

It added:"After the accident, the tug's upturned hull remained afloat for approximately 35 minutes before sinking; its two crew were unable to escape from the vessel and lost their lives."

The report stated that the tug's towing arrangement it's water tightness, the training and experience of the personnel involved and the management of towing operations within the port had all been considered during the investigation.

The Biter sank while it was assisting the Hebridean Princess cruise ship off Custom House Quay.

It also stated that the boat had the minimum safe manning levels and  there was good visibility at the time.

The Hebridean Princess, which had 45 passengers on board, was undamaged in the incident

A 200-metre exclusion zone was placed round the tug immediately after it sunk and a specialist crane ship used to bring the vessel up from the seabed.

The MAIB say the sole objective of their investigation is the prevention of future accidents and it is not intended to determine liability or apportion blame.

The Southhampton based organisation is authorised to investigate all maritime accidents in UK waters and accidents involving UK registered ships worldwide.

READ MORE: Coastguard team marks year since tug tragedy with remembrance service

In the days after the tugboat sinking £5,000 was raised for the families of both men through a crowdfunding appeal.

A second separate investigation is being carried out by Police Scotland and the Maritime Coastguard Agency under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) with the possibility of a Fatal Accident Inquiry in the future.

A COPFS spokesperson said: “The Procurator Fiscal has instructed an investigation into the deaths of two men, aged 65 and 73, on the River Clyde at Greenock on 24 February 2023.

 “A joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is ongoing and once complete will be fully considered by the Crown’s Health and Safety Investigations Unit.

“The families will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments."