28 February 2023 , 10:12
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A sailor who sadly died in a tugboat tragedy has been named by pals who have paid tribute to a “great friend”.
George Taft was one of two crewmen who died when tugboat Biter overturned as it brought a cruise ship into harbour.
The tragedy took place on Friday, at the Firth of Clyde near Greenock, Inverclyde, and the bodies of George and another crew member were discovered by police divers on Saturday after a huge search operation.
Retired seaman Kenny Kemp, who worked with George during their time at a maritime firm in Wales, paid tribute to his fellow sailor.
He described George as a “good seaman and great friend”.
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Police boats and divers taking part in the rescue operation in the Firth of Clyde near Greenock on Friday after a tugboat sank (PA)Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “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."
Other sailors took to social media to share their own memories of George.
Timothy Helmer, who also worked with him during their time in Holyhead, wrote on social media: "Sleep well and give that Davy Jones a good kicking. You were a good friend and brother of the sea.
Police worked until nightfall on the Friday, and picked up the search the next day until they sadly found two bodies (Garry F McHarg Daily Record)"Tonight I'll drink rum to you. I'll remember the laughs we had every two or three years when our ocean paths met on route to wherever.
"I'll miss the joy we had laughing about the madness in the world. RIP George Taft."
He added: "He was great company – probably one of the blokes who shaped me into this career, or should I say, way of life. It's passion more than a job for men like us.
"I know this because I was fresh out of fishing, single dad, bit lost on what to do next, working the rock barges. He used to give us a lift out to the rock dumper.
Police Scotland and HM Coastguard scoured the harbour after the tugboat overturned (PA)"Watching him chuck his ole tug around made me think about being a fishing skipper in my late twenties. Nineteen years later, I'm still doing it. I've towed cargo around the world since – thanks George."
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Another maritime worker said: "George was always good to me and a good friend, had many a laugh with him. RIP George God bless you."
A third said: "God bless George and your decky [deckhand]. Have a pint in heaven's harbour now mate, RIP."
Emergency services raced to the waters just outside the East India Harbour around 3pm on Friday after the boat overturned.
It had been escorting a cruise ship into the harbour at the time.
A friend described George as a “good seaman and great friend” (PA)Police and HM Coastguard spent over four hours desperately searching for the two missing sailors before standing down as night fell at 8pm.
The next day they resumed their search and tragically found the bodies of George and his fellow crewman at around 1.40pm.
In a statement published on its website, Clyde Marine Services said: "Clyde Marine Services Ltd is deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members following an incident on Friday 24 February 2023. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the two men at this most difficult of times.
"The company is fully co-operating with the official investigations which are ongoing. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate to comment further."
A number of sailors and friends paid tribute to George (PA)The identity of the second sailor has not been released by police. However, Police Scotland confirmed on Saturday that the next-of-kin for both crew had been informed of their deaths.
Chief Inspector Damian Kane, local area commander, said on Saturday: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the men at this difficult time. I would like to thank the local community for their patience and support as searches were ongoing and as we continue to carry out our enquiries.”