Fishermen onboard missing boat off Lewis named as search continues
Douglas Craigie was found on Wednesday morning, but his crewmates, Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison have not yet been found.
Last updated 11 hours ago
A fisherman whose body was recovered from the sea during a search for the crew of a missing boat has been named as Douglas Craigie.
The body of Mr Craigie, 49, was found at about 2.45am on Wednesday, but his crewmates, Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, have not yet been found.
The fishing vessel the men were on, the Kilda, has also yet to be found.
The boat vanished on Tuesday night somewhere near the Port of Ness off the north coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
Police Scotland said all three men are local to the island.
Search for missing men and vessel continues
It is understood by police that the Kilda left the Brevaig area in the west of the island at about 7.30am on Tuesday, before travelling to the Port of Ness area to work.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) says it sent out its all-weather Lochinver lifeboat at 9.42pm on Tuesday after the boat failed to return, and Police Scotland were later notified of its disappearance at 11.35pm the same night.
Additionally, HM Coastguard previously said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams and a local vessel were involved in the search.
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for Police Scotland in the Western Isles, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“The families of all three men involved are being provided with specialist support as our searches continue.
“We would ask that the privacy of the families of all three men are respected at this difficult time.
“We are working closely with the HM Coastguard and RNLI to search for the vessel and the two missing men.”
He added: “We know that the local community will be keen to help in any way they can.
“However, conditions are very challenging and I would urge people not to put themselves at any risk.
“Please do not attempt to carry out searches in areas which put you at risk of harm. Instead, if you believe you may have any information which could assist emergency services, then please call 101 quoting reference 3575 of 13 October.
“A police presence will remain in the Port of Ness area and if you have any concerns or information then I would urge you to speak to one of our officers.”
Western Isles MP expresses his condolences
Western Isles MP Torcuil Crichton brought up the matter of the missing fishing vessel in the House of Commons on Thursday, where he asked for the condolences to those affected.
He said: “The Western Isles have been struck, this week, by maritime tragedy with the sinking of the fishing vessel Kilda in a Tuesday night storm off the coast of Lewis, with what is feared is the subsequent loss of three souls aboard.
“Can I pay thanks and tribute to the Coastguard officers, the RNLI crews, helicopters, and police officers who are still involved in the search for two of these missing men.
“These winds and events like this cut deeply into our communities and leave wounds of grief.
“Can I ask the leader of the House to join me in expressing deep condolences to the families and communities affected, and to all the other families and fishers who touch that razor edge of the deep every day, and for our good go down to the sea in ships.”
Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell replied: “I am sure the whole House will join me and (Mr Crichton) in extending our most heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who have lost their lives.
“I want to join him in paying tribute to the brave members of the RNLI and Coastguard involved in the search and rescue.
Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council), previously said: “It is a very dark day for the communities affected by this tragedy.
“We can’t even begin to comprehend what the families of the three fishermen are going through at this moment.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them. It is not easy for the teams out searching, with very strong gusts of wind and heavy rain.
“We are very grateful for all those out searching in very challenging weather conditions.”
First Minister John Swinney previously posted about the situation on X, saying: “This is deeply distressing news.
“My heart goes out to the families of the three fishermen in Ness, and the communities on the Isle of Lewis.”