A MEMORIAL has been installed in a Port Glasgow park to honour the victims of a Clyde boating tragedy.

Friends Elaine McShefferty and Isabel McConnell issued an appeal through the Tele earlier this year for a tribute plaque in memory of relatives killed in a Port Glasgow boating accident 65 years ago.

Now a memorial has been unveiled in Coronation Park, naming the 20 people who perished.

The victims - including six members of the one Port family - drowned on the 'Ocean' vessel on 14 September 1947.

The day-trippers had left Inchgreen for a Sunday sail up to the Gare Loch, but their boat became swamped by a huge wave at the Tail of the Bank between Rosneath Point and Princes Pier. Only three people returned safely.

Elaine's aunt, Mary McShefferty, 18, was one of those killed and Isabel's two-year-old cousin, John Graham, also died along with other members of his family.

Elaine and Isabel raised �1,200 to pay for the plaque, but, because it was bought through Riverside Inverclyde, they didn't have to pay VAT.

They also collected �60 to pay for wreaths and had �155 left over, which they are dividing between Port Glasgow Otters and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The plaque was unveiled by former Provost Michael McCormick at a multi-denominational service.

Elaine said: "On behalf of the families, we would like to thank the Rev Andrew McLean of St Andrew's, Port Glasgow, Fr Michael McMahon of St John the Baptist Church, Envoy John Scott of The Salvation Army and Rev David Walton of United Reformed Church for leading the remembrance ceremony.

"We are also grateful to Councillor McCormick for unveiling the plaque, Councillor Jim MacLeod for his donation, help and advice and Pat Clark for composing the tune 'Ocean' and playing the pipes.

"We would also express our appreciation to Port Glasgow Boat Club, Larkfield Housing Association and the public for kind donations. "Special thanks to Geoff Gregory of Riverside Inverclyde for his help and advice with the stone and plaque, Parklea Branching Out for a wreath and St John's Church for hospitality.

"And, of course, we are extremely grateful to the Greenock Telegraph for taking up the story."