ACCIDENT investigators are set to inspect tragic Greenock tug Biter after she was recovered from the bed of the River Clyde in a major salvage operation.

The vessel capsized last month off Custom House Quay and sank, with her two-man crew sadly killed.

Greenock man George Taft, 65, and Ian Catterson, 73, from Millport lost their lives when Biter overturned while assisting the Hebridean Princess cruise ship near East India Harbour.

Lara 1, a specialist crane ship, was brought up from Liverpool to recover the vessel from the riverbed.

A 200-metre exclusion zone and drone ban was put in place while the retrieval was carried out.

Officers from Police Scotland, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) observed the recovery process, which was the responsibility of marine insurers, to ensure evidence was preserved.

Police Scotland are working with other organisations to investigate the sinking.

A force spokesperson said: "Following an operation on March 12, the tugboat which capsized in the River Clyde off Custom House Quay in Greenock on February 24 has been recovered.

"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."

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch will now carry out an examination of Biter.

Their spokesperson said: "MAIB had a team of inspectors on scene to witness the salvage process over the weekend and will inspect the vessel as part of our ongoing safety investigation."

Clyde Marine Services, who operated the tug, said they were assisting investigators with their inquiries.

They said: "Clyde Marine Services Ltd is deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members following an incident on February 24.

"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."

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