One man dead and two missing after fishing boat disappears off Scotland coast

The body of a man has been recovered amid a search for a missing fishing vessel in the Outer Hebrides.

Emergency services are searching for the boat and the two other men onboard after it was reported missing around 11.35pm yesterday off the coast of Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis.

Formal identification of the man has yet to take place, but the families of all three have been made aware and are receiving support from Police Scotland officers.

HM Coastguard said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams, two Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats, and a local vessel have been involved in the search.

Western Isles Council convenor Kenneth Macleod announced that all of the men live in Lewis.

He said: ‘It is a terrible tragedy and difficult to put into words. My condolences are with the families and friends.

‘I would also like to pay tribute to the coastguard teams, lifeboat crews and other members of the rescue services. The conditions out there are quite brutal – really challenging conditions. They have made extraordinary efforts.’

Police Scotland said: ‘Emergency services are in attendance following a report of a missing fishing vessel and three men onboard off the coast of Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis, which was reported to police around 11.35pm on Tuesday, 13 October, 2026.

‘The body of one of the men has been recovered; however, formal identification is yet to take place.’

The boat disappeared during a yellow wind warning issued by the Met Office, with gusts of up to 60mph expected in the area.

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