The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its findings on the tragic sinking of the tug Biter, which capsized off Greenock, Scotland on 24 February 2023, resulting in two deaths at sea.

The Biter, a twin-screw conventional tug, capsized while assisting the passenger vessel Hebridean Princess as it approached James Watt Dock.

The tug, attached to the stern of the larger vessel, was subjected to excessive force from the passenger ship’s speed, which reportedly overwhelmed the Biter’s safety equipment and led to the fatal incident.