A COMMEMORATIVE plinth paying tribute to the 32 lives lost during a tragic submarine sinking in the Gareloch has been unveiled in Helensburgh.

The K13 exhibit is the latest addition to Colquhoun Square’s outdoor museum and remembers the men who died in the 1917 disaster as well as the remarkable rescue of 48 survivors.

Veterans and serving submariners joined members of the local community to witness the unveiling of the memorial, which contains a bronze sculpture showing the Gareloch, Submarine K13 and the Submariners Association Crest, together with an engraving with details of the tragedy and the rescue efforts.

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The plinth was commissioned by the West of Scotland Branch of the Submariners Association and before it was unveiled, the branch president, retired Commander Bob Seaward OBE, explained how it represents a link connecting the town and its residents to the naval base at Faslane and the submarines which have been sailing past Helensburgh for over 100 years.

The words engraved on the plinth were read by Jim McMaster, the national chairman of the Submariners Association before he officially revealed the installation.

Former submariner Jim said: “This latest exhibit to the town’s open-air museum is a beautifully crafted reminder, not only of the tragic accident and subsequent loss of life, but also a tribute to an immense rescue operation.

“The K13 incident is an important and integral part of the town’s history.”

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Senior Royal Navy officers also attended, including Commodore (Cdre) Jim Perks, the Commanding Officer of the Faslane Submarine Flotilla.

Cdre Perks said: “I am exceptionally grateful to the Submariners Association for taking this initiative forward with Argyll and Bute Council, bringing the Submarine Service and the local community closer together, whilst remembering the sacrifices of our predecessors.”

Submarine K13 sank during sea trials on the Gareloch on January 29, 1917, leading to the tragic death of 32 of the 80 people on board at the time.

There are memorials in Faslane Cemetery, Elder Park in Govan and Carlingford in New South Wales, Australia.

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Memorial services are held each year at Faslane Cemetery and Elder Park to remember the service and civilian personnel who lost their lives in the tragedy.

The rescue techniques developed by the Royal Navy and Fairfield dockyard engineers in the days after the incident to help rescue survivors have since become the foundation of the Royal Navy Submarine Escape and Rescue organisation.