Police have identified an "area of interest" in the search for two fishermen whose vessel disappeared off the north coast of Lewis in the Western Isles on Tuesday. According to BBC News, Douglas Craigie's body was discovered on Wednesday, the day before his 50th birthday, but Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison remain missing.
The three men had been fishing from their boat, the Kilda, which sailed from Brevaig in Lewis at approximately 07:30 on Tuesday and was reported overdue at 21:20 that evening. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has established an exclusion zone for divers between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness, though vessels are permitted to continue operating in the area.
Specialist police officers are collaborating with partner agencies to search the designated zone for the two missing men and their vessel. Extensive search operations took place on Wednesday despite severe weather conditions, including gale-force winds. The RNLI reported that Stornoway's all-weather lifeboat launched at 21:42 on Tuesday, followed shortly by Lochinver's lifeboat.
HM Coastguard suspended its operations on Thursday evening pending any new information. Police Scotland cautioned the local community against conducting their own searches in dangerous conditions.
What do authorities say about the investigation?
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, stated that police are conducting extensive work with partners to investigate the specific area as safely as possible. He expressed sympathy for those affected and requested that the families' privacy be respected. Officers will remain stationed in the Port of Ness area, and anyone with concerns or information has been urged to speak with them.
What happens next in the search?
Police dive and marine specialists were expected to resume searching the area early the following week, with the search for the two men and vessel having been suspended pending new information. The MAIB's decision on whether to proceed with a full investigation will be made after its preliminary assessment evidence has been reviewed.
Who were the missing fishermen?
Norman Murray, aged 40 and known locally as Tam, and 23-year-old Murdo Morrison were the two crew members still unaccounted for. Tributes to Douglas Craigie, the fisherman whose body was recovered, described him as a "true gentleman" and "Top Dog"; a former skipper also called him a "Legend".
What is the local area like?
Ness is an area of rugged coastline in the north of Lewis, with approximately 1,300 residents living in crofting townships—small holdings where families raise livestock and grow crops while pursuing other employment. The parish has one of the highest concentrations of Gaelic speakers in the Western Isles.
