Search for missing tug crew off Greenock turns in two bodies

• Two bodies have been found following an extensive search.
• For the missing crew of a tug after it flipped off Greenock in Inverclyde.
• On Friday at around 15:30, emergency personnel were dispatched to East India Harbour.

Following an extensive search for the missing crew of a tug after it flipped off Greenock in Inverclyde, two bodies have been found.

On Friday at around 15:30, emergency personnel were dispatched to East India Harbour.

On Saturday morning, a marine unit from Police Scotland was spotted out on the water. Later, divers joined the search.

The bodies were found at or around 13:40, according to the force.

Official identification, according to the police, has not yet been made, but the families of the two missing crew members have been notified.

Ch Insp Damian Kane 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 inquiries.”

At around 15:30, when it appeared to have been stopped, witnesses told media that they had seen the tug guiding the Hebridean Princess cruise liner into the harbor.

Photos from the incident showed a police boat, inflatable rescue teams, and a helicopter hovering above the capsized tug.

According to Daniel McBride, the tug capsized “very instantly.”

He added: “At that point I contacted the coastguard and was asked to go and keep eyes, so I parked up and watched.

“Within 12 minutes the first coastguard vessel came. At that point the boat was still capsized with a hull visible in the water.

“I witnessed them bashing on the hull, I guess trying to see if there was any signs inside. Unfortunately then the boat went down a short time afterwards.

He claimed there were numerous boats and a helicopter in the area, but he had not seen anyone being rescued.

Police surrounded the harbor with a cordon.

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