25-02-23, 16:15
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Search Called Off For Missing Crew After Tugboat Pulling Cruise Ship Sinks
Search Called Off For Missing Crew After Tugboat Pulling Cruise Ship Sinks
A major rescue operation has sadly been called off after a tugboat capsized and sank off the coast of Scotland this afternoon.
BBC 25 FEB 2023
An RNLI lifeboat, several police launch boats and rescue crafts from vessels in the area raced to the scene when the alarm was raised at around 3.30pm.
The tug is thought to have overturned while escorting the Hebridean Princess cruise ship into the harbour in Greenock, according to eyewitnesses.
Two people were on board the boat when it capsized, said the coastguard. They are not believed to have been found.
Coastguard rescue teams said their surface search was terminated at 8pm. Police divers also attended the site, and will be resuming their search on Saturday morning.
A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "HM Coastguard has been responding to reports of a capsized vessel off Custom House Quay in Greenock today, February 24.
It is not known how many people were on board, nor whether there have been any casualties
"It is believed the vessel had two crew members onboard.
"Just before 3.30pm Coastguard Rescue Teams from Helensburgh and Greenock, a lifeboat from Helensburgh RNLI and the Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick were sent to assist and searched the area.
"Multiple vessels on the Clyde in the vicinity of the incident also responded, including an MOD Police vessel. The Coastguard's involvement in the surface search was terminated at 8pm.
An RNLI lifeboat, several police launch boats and rescue crafts from vessels in the area raced to the scene
Officers had cordoned off the area near Custom House Quay in the Inverclyde town.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police were made aware of a tugboat having capsized off Custom House Quay in Greenock around 3.30pm on Friday, 24 February, 2023.
Officers have cordoned off the area near Custom House Quay in the Inverclyde town
“Emergency services attended, including HM Coastguard and RNLI.
“Officers, including Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit and Air Support Unit, have been carrying out searches in the area and these searches will resume on the morning of Saturday, 25 February.
“Enquiries are ongoing, assisted by partners, to establish the full circumstances.”
The scene in East India Harbour, Greenock after a rescue operation was launched
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