Recovery efforts have resumed for two crew members and their fishing vessel missing off the north coast of the Isle of Lewis following what local fishing representatives have described as one of the worst maritime disasters in a generation for the region. According to BBC News, the fishing boat Kilda was reported overdue on 13 October, and the body of Douglas Craigie, aged 49, was recovered the following day. His two crewmates remain unaccounted for as specialist officers from Police Scotland's Marine and Dive unit continue operations in a designated area of interest off the coast.
The missing men are Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, both local to Lewis. The Kilda was believed to have sailed from Brevaig at approximately 07:30 on 13 October, with police notified of its disappearance at 23:35. Initial search operations were suspended on 18 October due to severe weather conditions, though the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has maintained an exclusion zone for divers and vessels in the area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.
The Western Isles Fishing Association established a fundraiser to support the families of all three crew members. Within approximately seven hours of its launch, the appeal had raised £18,000, with association officials identifying key community members to ensure funds reach those most in need.
How has the local community responded to the tragedy?
The incident has profoundly affected both the fishing industry and the wider community on Lewis. Duncan Macinnes, secretary of the Western Isles Fishermen's Association, described the emotional toll of the disaster, stating that
it is just an unimaginable tragedy that happened just over a week ago and we have heartfelt sorrow for the grieving families who have suffered such loss and we pray that Tam and Murdo will be found.
Macinnes emphasised the scale of the loss within the local context, noting that
with a tragedy like this which is one of the worst fishing tragedies that we have experienced in the Western Isles in a generation, it is going to leave broken hearts. It is just very difficult and total devastation for the industry and for the community.
He acknowledged the efforts of rescue services involved in the operation, saying
we are thankful for the rescue services that have taken place by the Coastguard, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), Police Scotland, and all the others that have gone and assisted in any way possible to try and find those that have been lost.
Macinnes reported maintaining daily communication with Police Scotland regarding search efforts and confirmed that the association has agreed to involve local fishermen with extensive knowledge of the area to support the resumed operation. He also noted that police divers were expected to arrive on the island shortly to work alongside local expertise.
What role is the Marine Accident Investigation Branch playing?
The MAIB has deployed inspectors to conduct a preliminary assessment of the incident. The branch indicated that a decision on whether to conduct a full investigation would follow review of the evidence. Macinnes commended the MAIB officers who have been present on the island since the week of the incident, expressing hope that their investigation would identify the cause and lead to recommendations that prevent similar tragedies in future.
The exclusion zone established by the MAIB remains in place to protect divers and vessels conducting operations in the designated area.
What are police asking of the public?
Inspector Neil, speaking on behalf of Police Scotland, urged the community to respect the privacy of the affected families while emphasising the force's commitment to the search.
We understand how distressing this must be for all involved and I want to assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to get answers for those affected.
He described the operation as complex and requested that officers and specialists be given adequate time and space to conduct their enquiries. Inspector Taylor added a safety warning to community members, stating that
we know the local community are keen to help in any way they can. However, we 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.
Police have appealed for anyone with information that may assist in the search to contact Police Scotland.
What happens next in the search operation?
Police Scotland's Dive and Marine Unit was expected to resume searches early the following week, with the MAIB's diver exclusion zone remaining in place. The preliminary assessment conducted by the MAIB will inform whether the branch opens a formal investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
HM Coastguard stood down its operations on 15 October, pending any new information that might prompt a resumption of its involvement in the search effort.
