Major rescue as boat capsizes in Greenock LIVE as witnesses fear crew 'trapped'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A major operation has been launched after a tug boat capsized in Greenock.Emergency search crews were called to a location just off East India Harbour on the west coast this afternoon, Friday February 24.Two people were on board when the incident took place.

It is unclear if there have been any injuries.Some witnesses to the emergency operation said they feared crew had become trapped when the boat capsized.Pictures from the scene show what appears to be the boat sinking while rescue teams assist.The coastguard said there were two people on board the vessel when it capsized.Police have cordoned off the area near Custom House Quay in the Inverclyde town.Iain Cameron snapped the moment the boat sank beneath the water, with the bow or stern poking above the surface while rescue crews look on.An eyewitness says 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.

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard is currently responding to reports of a capsized vessel at Custom House Quay in Greenock, February 24. "Just before 3.30pm Coastguard Rescue Teams from Helensburgh and Greenock, a lifeboat from Helensburgh and the Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick were sent to assist and are searching the area.

Police Scotland is also in attendance."Witnesses on the coast at East India Harbour Greenock saw atug capsizing just before 4pm.Air ambulance and Coastguard were spotted at the scene.