Two Scots sailors died after tugboat capsized in 10 seconds due to safety system 'breakdown'

Two sailors died after a tugboat capsized in 10 seconds on the River Clyde due to "breakdown" in safety systems, a report has found. Crewmen George Taft, 65 and Ian Catterson, 73, tragically died when tugboat Biter overturned as it escorted a cruise ship into harbour in Greenock on February 24, 2023.

Biter, a twin-screw conventional tug operated by Clyde Marine Services, was escorting the Hebridean Princess to the Inverclyde dock when it capsized and sunk. Rescue teams arrived on the scene and reportedly tapped on the hull trying to get a response from anyone inside as the vessel started to drift beneath the water, but only minutes later, the boat sank.

The bodies of George, from Greenock, and Ian, from Millport, were removed from the water 24 hours after the incident. An investigation carried out by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has now concluded.

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The report found that the tragic incident occurred after a "breakdown of the systems" that should have kept the seafarers safe. It discovered that the marine pilot’s training had not prepared them to work with conventional tugs and that exchanges between the pilot and the masters of the tug and the cruise ship were incomplete.

Additionally the report also stated the speed of the Hebridean Princess placed significant load on the tug’s lines, which impacted Biter's gob rope and meant it was unable to stop the tug from capsizing. It was also found that an open hatch compromised the tug’s watertight integrity and limited the crew’s chance of survival.

Andrew Moll OBE, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents: “Tug Biter’s accident was another cruel lesson of how rapidly things can go dreadfully wrong. In less than 10 seconds the tug capsized, and two experienced seafarers lost their lives, because of a breakdown of the systems that should have kept them safe.

“Small conventional tugs remain an essential part of UK port operations. However, the vulnerabilities of these vessels must be understood by those that operate and control them.

“Harbour authorities, ship and tug masters, and pilots should collectively own this risk. Pilots and tug crews must be suitably trained and experienced for their roles, and they must share a detailed understanding of the towage plan before they start the job.

"Speed, which has an exponential effect on towing forces, must be carefully controlled and the lines correctly set. Everyone involved must then monitor the execution of the plan and, if needed, act to keep everyone safe.”

MAIB recommends Clyde Marine Services Limited review its safety management system and risk assessments to provide clear guidance on the rigging of the gob rope; the safe speed to conduct key manoeuvres; and, to adopt a recognised training scheme for its tug masters.

Recommendations have also been made to Clydeport Operations Limited to commission an independent review of its marine pilot training and to risk assess and review its pilot grade limits and tug matrix. Recommendations have also been made to professional associations representing pilots, harbourmasters, and tug owners to develop appropriate guidance on the safety issues raised in the report.

A spokesperson for Clyde Marine Services said: “We acknowledge the release of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch report. We will take time to review and consider it. Our thoughts remain with the families affected and Clyde Marine Services will continue to co-operate fully with ongoing official investigations.”

Jim McSporran, port director at Clydeport, said: “We note the findings from the MAIB report and will consider its recommendations in detail. Above all, our deepest sympathy goes to the families, friends and colleagues of the two men who died in this tragic incident.

“The health, safety and the welfare of our employees and the third parties we work with is, and always will be, our number one priority.”

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