Two locations have been identified for further investigation following a survey of the seabed in the search for a missing fishing boat off the north coast of the Isle of Lewis. The Kilda vanished on 13 October with three crew members aboard, and while one body has been recovered, two men remain missing.
According to BBC News, the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel NLV Pharos conducted a survey over the weekend in waters east of the Butt of Lewis, identifying two areas that warrant closer examination as part of an official investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
Douglas Craigie's body was discovered by search teams on 14 October, the day after the vessel failed to return to port. However, Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison have not yet been found. The crew were believed to have sailed from Brevig at approximately 07:30 on 13 October, with the boat reported overdue at around 21:20 that same day, according to Police Scotland.
The NLV Pharos is equipped with advanced hydrographic and wreck survey technology designed to map the seabed and locate submerged objects. The vessel's specialist capabilities have proven essential in progressing both the search operation and the formal investigation into the incident.
Before the survey described in this latest update, specialist divers had already recovered items belonging to the Kilda off the Port of Ness, according to BBC News. These recovered items have provided investigators with additional evidence as they work to understand what happened to the vessel and its crew.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch initially deployed inspectors to conduct a preliminary assessment and indicated it would determine whether to proceed with a full investigation after reviewing evidence gathered from the search and recovery operations.
What happens next?
Further investigative work will now focus on assessing the two sites identified during the NLV Pharos survey. This next phase forms part of the ongoing MAIB investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Kilda's disappearance.
What has Police Scotland said?
It is imperative we get answers for everyone involved and please be assured our efforts are continuing. We are grateful for the specialist work of NLV Pharos over the past weekend to progress the search and investigation.
Police Scotland Inspector Neil Taylor expressed that the thoughts of the force remained with all those affected by the tragedy. He emphasised the importance of obtaining answers for the families and those connected to the incident, and acknowledged the crucial contribution made by the specialist vessel and its crew.
We continue to work with partners, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local maritime experts.
Inspector Taylor also issued a safety warning to members of the public, urging them not to undertake their own search operations in areas that could expose them to danger.
Please do not attempt to carry out searches in areas which put you at risk of harm.
Key Facts
- The fishing vessel Kilda disappeared on 13 October with Douglas Craigie, Norman Murray, and Murdo Morrison on board
- Douglas Craigie's body was recovered on 14 October; Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison remain missing
- The NLV Pharos survey identified two sites requiring further investigation east of the Butt of Lewis
- Items from the Kilda have been recovered by specialist divers off the Port of Ness
- The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is leading the formal investigation into the incident
