Missing fisherman pictured as crewmate killed in accident off Scotland coast named

A fisherman whose body was recovered from the sea during a search for the crew of a missing boat has been named.

The body of Douglas Craigie, 49, was found at about 2.45am on Wednesday, but his crewmates, Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, have not yet been found.

The fishing vessel the men were on, the Kilda, has also yet to be found.

The boat vanished on Tuesday night somewhere near the Port of Ness off the north coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

Police Scotland said all three men are local to the island.

It is understood by police that the Kilda left the Brevaig area in the west of the island at about 7.30am on Tuesday, before travelling to the Port of Ness area to work.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) says it sent out its all-weather Lochinver lifeboat at 9.42pm on Tuesday after the boat failed to return, and Police Scotland were later notified of its disappearance at 11.35pm the same night.

HM Coastguard previously said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams and a local vessel were involved in the search.

Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for Police Scotland in the Western Isles, said: ‘Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

‘The families of all three men involved are being provided with specialist support as our searches continue. We would ask that the privacy of the families of all three men are respected at this difficult time.’

He added: ‘We know that the local community will be keen to help in any way they can. However, conditions are very challenging, and I 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. A police presence will remain in the Port of Ness area, and if you have any concerns or information, then I would urge you to speak to one of our officers.’

Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, previously 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.’

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