Fundraiser launched to support families of fishermen aboard missing Kilda off the Isle of Lewis

Thousands has been raised to support the families of three fishermen who were on board a vessel which disappeared off Lewis a week ago.

A major search was launched after the fishing vessel Kilda failed to make port on Tuesday.

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

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the families of the men who have left behind young children.

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.

Searches for the missing crewmen and vessel were paused on Sunday due to the sea conditions.

Police have identified an interest, and specialist officers are working with partners to investigate it.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have 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.