Search suspended for two men missing from fishing boat off Lewis

The search for two missing men who were aboard a fishing vessel which disappeared off the coast of the Outer Hebrides has been suspended.

His two crewmates, 40-year-old Norman Murray, who is known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain unaccounted for. They are being treated as missing people.

Search and rescue teams were deployed to an area north of the Isle of Lewis, following reports that a vessel carrying three people failed to make port on Tuesday night.

A HM Coastguard plane from Humberside and another from Prestwick, two helicopters, six Coastguard teams and two RNLI teams, as well as a local vessel, have been searching the area known as the Butt of Lewis, near Port of Ness.

However, progress in locating the two missing crewmen and the vessel has been hindered by adverse weather conditions.

Searches resumed on Thursday morning but were suspended as of 7.30pm pending new information.

A minute’s silence was held at Royal National Mod in Glasgow on Thursday morning.

In a statement, Mod organisers said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone affected by yesterday’s tragedy on the Isle of Lewis.

“As a mark of respect, a one-minute silence will be observed at 9am on Thursday ahead of the day’s competitions starting.”

Police Scotland confirmed the body of Mr Craigie was recovered at 2.45am on Wednesday morning.

He was aboard the UK-registered fishing vessel Kilda along with his crewmates Mr Murray and Mr Morrison.

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch spokesperson said: “The MAIB has deployed a team of inspectors to conduct a preliminary assessment into the loss of the UK registered fishing vessel Kilda near the Isle of Lewis.

“A decision on whether an investigation will be carried out will be taken once the evidence gathered during the preliminary assessment has been reviewed.”

‘Very dark day’

Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “It is a very dark day for the communities affected by this tragedy.

“We can’t even begin to comprehend what the families of the three fishermen are going through at this moment.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them. It is not easy for the teams out searching, with very strong gusts of wind and heavy rain.

“We are very grateful for all those out searching in very challenging weather conditions.”

First Minister John Swinney previously posted about the situation on X, saying: “This is deeply distressing news.

“My heart goes out to the families of the three fishermen in Ness, and the communities on the Isle of Lewis.”