Perth man’s family in QE2 terror

Oct 7 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A TELEVISION producer from Perth had to be rescued when a pleasure boat sank on the Clyde.

Hamish Barbour, a one-time Perth High School pupil who grew up in Bridge of Earn, was among a seven-strong group who were plucked from the waters near Greenock on Sunday.

Glasgow-based Hamish (48), husband of well-known presenter and author Muriel Gray, was with family and friends taking in the spectacle of the QE2’s farewell voyage when the drama unfolded.

Reports stated their 24-foot craft was close to the famous linerwhen something struck the bottomof their boat and it began taking in water.

Five victims were hauled from the water and two were clinging onto the wreckage. Police said they were all wearing lifejackets.

The couple’s nine-year-old son Angus was among those on board.

A Strathclyde police spokesman confirmed: “A small cabin cruiser with five adults and two children on board got into difficulties. Military personnel came to their aid before passing them over to the police marine unit.

“The children were treated for slight exposure and the adults for shock by paramedics.”