Thousands has been raised for the devastated families of two crewmen who lost their life in a tugboat tragedy in the River Clyde, near the coastal town of Greenock.
George Taft, 65, and Ian Catterson, 73, tragically died after the vessel capsized and sank on February, 24.
A major rescue operation was launched, including police divers and HM Coastguard, who rushed to the incident outside the East India Harbour following the tragic event.
The crewmen's bodies were sadly recovered the following day by search police after Coastguard handed over the operation following an unsuccessful eight hour search on February, 24.
A friend of both men has set up an online fundraiser to help their families deal with any upcoming financial difficulties. Over £5,000 has since been donated to the cause, reports Daily Record, with many leaving touching tributes in the comments.
A statement on the JustGiving page reads: "Two tug men were sadly lost when the tug Biter sank off Greenock. These funds are to help the family's with ongoing financial support at this difficult time. The funds will be split between the two families of the lost tug men to help with their expenses."
Emotional tributes poured in for the two crewmen following the tragedy. Mr Catterson, from Millport, was well-known in his community, with locals left devastated by the heartbreaking news of his passing. The sailor looked after his mum, Nancy, before she died and locals said the pair were "now together again".
Emma Newton said: "It was so sad to hear the confirmation of the rumours that Ian Catterson was one of those lost in the tugboat tragedy. He was a very quiet man who was incredibly kind to my mum when she was his mum Nancy’s carer. Rest in peace."
Mr Traft, from Greenock, was extremely passionate about his work and has been described as "a brother of the sea" by former colleagues. Timothy Helmer said: "Sleep well and give that Davy Jones a good kicking. You were a good friend and brother of the sea."
Retired seaman Kenny Kemp added: "I have a lot of memories of George – a very good seaman and great friend. He worked at Holyhead Towing for many years. He liked to cook and was a quiet reserved guy.
"I have spoken to him many times since I retired and we always had good banter about times working together. He'll be sadly missed."
The vessel was recovered from the water just over a couple weeks later, with the boat taken to Rhu. Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the tragic incident alongside the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
To donate to the online fundraiser please click here.
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