An empty life raft belonging to the missing fishing boat Kilda has washed ashore in Shetland, 200 miles from where the vessel vanished with three crew members on board. According to BBC News, the life raft came ashore at West Burrafirth on Thursday, 5 November, more than three weeks after the Kilda disappeared north of Lewis on 13 October. The discovery marks a significant development in the search for two crew members still missing, though no trace of the boat itself has yet been located.
The alarm was raised at approximately 21:20 on 13 October after the Kilda was reported overdue from Lewis. Three men were aboard: Douglas Craigie, 49, Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23. The body of Craigie was recovered by search teams on 14 October, but Murray and Morrison remain unaccounted for.
Police Scotland confirmed that the life raft has been verified as belonging to the Kilda. The vessel was last known to be operating near the Port of Ness when it went missing.
Search efforts yield no vessel trace
Extensive search operations have been conducted across the area where the Kilda sank. The Northern Lighthouse Board vessel NLV Pharos identified two sites for further investigation north of the Isle of Lewis. According to BBC News, the MAIB's examination of these two sites found no trace of the vessel or the missing men, and the maritime exclusion zone was subsequently lifted as the preliminary assessment continued.
The two sites were examined using specialist equipment provided by fish-farm company Mowi, as part of the coordinated response to locate the boat and the two missing crew members.
What authorities are doing now
Inspector Neil Taylor from Police Scotland stated:
"The life raft has been confirmed as belonging to the Kilda. We will continue to work with partners, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, as well as local maritime experts, to locate the vessel and the two missing men. Please be assured we are doing all we can and we are grateful for the support of all of our partners."
He added:
"Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident."
The MAIB's preliminary assessment into the loss of the Kilda is continuing, with authorities maintaining their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the vessel's disappearance. Multiple agencies remain engaged in the ongoing effort to recover the boat and locate the two missing fishermen.
Key facts
- The Kilda disappeared on 13 October north of Lewis with three crew members aboard
- Douglas Craigie's body was recovered on 14 October; Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison remain missing
- The empty life raft washed ashore at West Burrafirth in Shetland on 5 November, approximately 200 miles from the sinking location
- Search operations involving the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and local maritime experts have found no trace of the vessel at two identified investigation sites
