Items from missing fishing boat Kilda recovered off Lewis as exclusion zone to be lifted

Items from the missing fishing boat Kilda have been recovered by specialist police divers during searches off the Isle of Lewis.

Kilda failed to make port on October 13, prompting a major search for the vessel and its three crewmen.

The body of 49-year-old Douglas Craigie was recovered from the area off the coast of Port of Ness in the early hours of October 14.

However, 23-year-old Murdo Morrison and 40-year-old Norman “Tam” Murray remain unaccounted for and are being treated as missing people.

Now more than a week on, items belonging to the Kilda have been recovered by specialist officers from Police Scotland’s Marine and Dive Unit within an area of interest off the coast of the Port of Ness on Thursday.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) exclusion zone for divers and vessels will be lifted from 11.59pm tonight, Thursday, October 22.

Inspector Neil Taylor, local area Inspector for the Western Isles, said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“Efforts are continuing to work with partners and we are doing everything we can to get answers.

“We would again reiterate that this is a complex operation and we would ask that officers and specialists are given the time and space to carry out their enquiries.

“While the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) exclusion zone will be lifted tonight, we 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.”

The families continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.

If you have any concerns, or information, please call 101 quoting reference 3575 of October 13.

A GoFundMe page was set up and has raised close to £150,000 to support the families of the three men.

The Western Isles Fishermen’s Association said the incident had a “devastating impact on the whole community”.

The fundraiser reads: “The fishermen have left behind families and young children, Katie, Seumas, Esther, Lauren and Courtney.

“The Western Isles Fishermen’s Association wants to do all it can to assist these families at this time and in the future.

“It has engaged with the communities of Carloway, Barvas, Ness and Stornoway in identifying key individuals who will ensure that all the families who have suffered, due to one of the worst sea tragedies in the Isle of Lewis for a generation, will be supported for the future.”

Following the incident, a minute’s silence was held at the Royal National Mod in Glasgow, while tributes were paid to “Top Dog” Douglas Craigie, who was well-known around Lewis.