Inverclydes’ civic figurehead has sent his condolences to the families of two men who died following a tugboat accident off the waters of Greenock.

Provost Drew McKenzie paid tribute to local man George Taft and his crewmate Ian Catterson, of Millport, who tragically passed away following the incident last week, Friday 24 February 2023.

Mr McKenzie opened a special Inverclyde Council budget meeting today, Thursday 2 March 2023, with a message of condolence to the family of Mr. Taft and Mr. Catterson on behalf of the council and people of Inverclyde.

Provost McKenzie said: “Today we pay tribute to George Taft of Greenock and Ian Catterson of Millport, the crew of the Tugboat Biter which tragically overturned while escorting the Hebridean Princes into dock last Friday.

“It is a sad fact of life that all sea-going and riverside communities shall from time to time be reminded of how cruel the sea can be – and when tragedy does come the blow is never lessened.

“We are made very aware of how brittle the threads of life really are.

“On Friday evening, as the rescue was in full swing, I attended as Provost, along with our Chief Executive, the Annual Inspection of the Sea Cadets at their headquarters in Baker Street. You can imagine the increased poignancy in the air as the packed hall sang two verses of Eternal Father – that hymn of the Navy: ‘O hear us when we cry to thee, For those in peril on the sea’.

“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to the friends and families of Mr Taft and Mr Catterson.

“Our thanks also must go to the rescue services faced with the most challenging of tasks.

“They are to be commended for their skill, their professionalism and most particularly the dignity in which they carry out their work.”