Thousands of pounds have been raised in honour of two men who lost their lives when a tug boat capsized in the Firth of Clyde last month.
The bodies of George Taft, 65, from Greenock, and Ian Catterson, 73, from Millport, were recovered from the water at the Custom House Quay on February 24.
The boat, which has now been lifted from the water, overturned while escorting the Hebridean Princes into dock.
A Just Giving page started in honour of both Mr Taft and Mr Catterson’s families has now managed to raise over £5,000.
Brian Burt, who started the crowdfunder, said he wanted to “show the people of Inverclyde care about these brave men who gave their all so the large ships could bring supplies in to the people of Scotland”.
Many tributes were paid to the pair including from Inverclyde Council provost Drew McKenzie who said: “Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to the friends and families of Mr Taft and Mr Catterson.
“Our thanks also must go to the rescue services faced with the most challenging of tasks.
“They are to be commended for their skill, their professionalism and most particularly the dignity in which they carry out their work.”
He also said: “It is a sad fact of life that all sea-going and riverside communities shall from time to time be reminded of how cruel the sea can be – and when tragedy does come the blow is never lessened.
“We are made very aware of how brittle the threads of life really are.”
Police Scotland are investigating the circumstances of the incident with the assistance of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is carrying out its own inquiries.
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