Dive teams in waters around Lewis searching for missing fishermen

Dive teams are searching waters on the coast of Lewis for two missing fishermen.

A major hunt was launched following reports that a vessel carrying three people close to the Port of Ness had failed to make port on Tuesday, October 13.

The body of Douglas Craigie was recovered in the area around 2.45am on Wednesday, October 14.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is searching on Wednesday for the two fishermen, 40-year-old Norman Murray, who is known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23.

Both remain unaccounted for and are being treated as missing.

Specialist officers from Police Scotland’s Marine and Dive Unit and partners are carrying out further enquiries at an area of interest off the coast of the Ness.

Searches for the missing crewmen and vessel were hindered by adverse weather conditions last week and paused at the weekend.

Police confirmed on Saturday that an area of interest has been identified, and specialist officers were working with partners to investigate it.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) put an exclusion zone in place for divers in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness. Vessels can still operate in the area.

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

“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.

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

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

Inspector Taylor added: “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.

“If you believe you may have any information which could assist emergency services then please call 101 quoting reference 3575 of October 13.

“Officers remain in the Port of Ness area and if you have any concerns or information then I would urge you to speak to them.”

Thousands have been raised 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.

The MAIB has been contacted for comment.