Temporary pause in search for missing fishermen and vessel off Isle of Lewis

The search for two missing men and a fishing vessel off the coast of the Isle of Lewis has been paused because of difficult sea conditions.

The Kilda vanished on Tuesday near Port of Ness, on the north coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

The body of Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the sea at about 2.45am on Wednesday, but his crewmates Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, are yet to be found.

Mr Murray and Mr Morrison remain unaccounted for and are being treated as missing, Police Scotland said.

The fishing vessel is also yet to be found.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch put an exclusion zone in place for divers in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.

On Saturday, police said they had identified an “area of interest” near Port of Ness where the search was being carried out.

However the sea conditions and anchoring challenges on Sunday affected the deployment of a remotely operated vehicle which would have helped the search.

Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said: “We understand how distressing this must be for everyone affected by this tragic incident and our thoughts remain with them at this time.

“The families have asked for their privacy to be respected.

“I want to assure everyone that as soon as it is safe to do so, we will resume our efforts and do all we can to get answers for those affected.”

He added: “The exclusion zone remains in place for divers in the area where searches have been carried out. However, vessels can still operate in this area.

“We know the local community are keen to help in any way they can. However, we 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.”

The RNLI sent its all-weather Lochinver lifeboat out at 9.42pm on Tuesday after the boat failed to return, and Police Scotland were notified of its disappearance at 11.35pm.

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

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.