A MAJOR update about the tragic capsizing of a tug in the Clyde off Greenock last year which saw two men lose their lives has been published.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its interim report on the sinking of tug Biter.

The incident resulted in the deaths of George Taft, 65, of Greenock and Ian Catterson, 73, of Millport.

The marine watchdog's report provides a brief overview of the final moments which led up to the tug’s sinking and outlines the aspects of the tragedy which investigators have examined throughout their probe.

It states that the twin screw tug ‘girted’ and capsized at about half past three on February 24 last year while attached to the stern of the Hebridean Princess cruise ship as she made her approach towards Greenock’s James Watt Dock.

The report states that the minimum safe manning for Biter was a crew of two and adds that there was good visibility, high water and a slack tidal stream at the time of the accident. 

After the accident, it is reported that the tug’s upturned hull remained afloat for approximately 35 minutes before sinking, with its two crew members unable to escape from the vessel.

The incident sparked a massive response from emergency services who descended on the scene in a desperate attempt to rescue the trapped crew, but despite their best efforts the pair perished.

A recovery operation which necessitated the implementation of a 200-metre exclusion zone and involved a specialist crane ship, Lara 1, subsequently took place to bring the sunken vessel up from the riverbed.

Since Biter’s recovery, MAIB investigators have worked to determine the causes and circumstances around its sinking.

Their latest update states that the tug’s towing arrangement, its watertight integrity, the training and experience of the personnel involved and the management of towing operations within the port were all considered.

Last month, an MAIB spokesperson confirmed to the Telegraph that the investigation had been completed and a full report is currently being drafted.

Once the draft is completed it will be distributed to stakeholders for a 30-day consultation period before its publication.