The 115-gt tug Kuguar (built 1969), operated by Otto Wolf of Germany, went down off Swinoujscie on Monday night after hitting the 4,300-dwt Transforza (built 2000), owned by Rederi AB Transatlantic (RABT) of Sweden.

The crew of four and a pilot were thrown into the sea, but then managed to scramble on to the tug's sinking bow before being rescued.

Polish reports said the four crew were later found to be drunk.