A major rescue operation is expected to resume after a tugboat with two people on board capsized in the River Clyde off Greenock.
Last night we told how the operation had been stood down and "handed over" to Police Scotland from Coastguard when their involvement came to an end at 8pm after almost five hours of searching.
Officers later confirmed they too had stepped down but would resume searching on Saturday morning. Shortly after 9am this morning cops said the search had not yet resumed however pictures showed emergency services at the scene.
It currently remains unknown whether there have been any casualties however it's understood that the two on board have not yet been found.
West Scotland MSP Neil Bibby tweeted: "Very concerning news about the distressing accident off Greenock. My thoughts are with the crew, their families and the rescue team at this worrying time."
Emergency search crews were called to a location just off Custom House Quay on the west coast on at around 3.30pm on Friday, February 24.
The major operation also included Helensburgh RNLI lifeboat, several police launch boats and rescue crafts from vessels in the area who went to the scene when the alarm was raised.
Some witnesses to the emergency said they feared crew had become trapped when the boat capsized. Pictures from the scene showed what appeared to be the boat sinking while rescue teams assist.
An eyewitness said a number of first responders clambered aboard the upturned hull of the boat shortly before it sank.
They reportedly tapped on the hull trying to get a response from anyone inside as the vessel started to drift beneath the water. It is reported that "minutes later", the boat sank.
The tug boat, called the Biter, which is operated by Clyde Marine Services, was escorting the Hebridean Princess cruise ship into the harbour at about 3.30pm when it was apparently pulled over.
Police cordoned off the area near Custom House Quay in the Inverclyde town while the search continued into night fall.
A Coastguard spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard has been responding to reports of a capsized vessel off Custom House Quay in Greenock today, February 24.
"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."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Searches resumed this morning after a tugboat capsized off Custom House Quay, Greenock around 3.30pm on Friday, February 24.
“Officers, including Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit, are at the scene as enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.”
Clyde Marine Services have been contacted for comment.
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