Police Scotland says attempts to examine an area of interest off the Isle of Lewis were interrupted on Sunday. The fishing vessel Kilda remains missing, one crew member has died, and two others have not been found.
Police Scotland has temporarily suspended underwater search operations for two missing fishermen and their vessel off the northern coast of the Isle of Lewis after difficult sea conditions prevented the deployment of specialist equipment on Sunday, 18 October.
Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing following the disappearance of the fishing vessel Kilda near Port of Ness on Tuesday, 13 October. Both men are from Lewis.
Their fellow crew member, Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the water at approximately 2.45am on Wednesday, 14 October. His death has been confirmed by police.
Vessel Failed to Return on Tuesday Evening
Police Scotland believes the Kilda departed from Brevaig on Lewis at approximately 7.30am on Tuesday before travelling towards the Port of Ness area, where the crew intended to work.
The boat failed to return that evening and was reported overdue. Police were notified at approximately 11.35pm.
A search involving Police Scotland, HM Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution followed. Mr Craigie’s body was recovered during the early hours of Wednesday, but the remaining two crew members and the vessel have not been located.
All three men were local to the Isle of Lewis.
Underwater Search Interrupted
Specialist officers and partner agencies identified an area of interest off Ness, where further enquiries were undertaken over the weekend.
On Sunday, attempts to examine that area were halted because of sea conditions and difficulties anchoring the equipment required to deploy a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
The equipment allows investigators to examine underwater locations remotely, but safe deployment depends on conditions at sea and the ability to secure the equipment during operations.
Police have not confirmed that the missing vessel has been located within the area of interest.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has established an exclusion zone for divers between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness. The restriction applies to diving activity and does not prevent vessels from operating in the area.
Police Scotland had previously announced plans to use its specialist Dive and Marine Unit to carry out
