A fisherman who died after his vessel went missing off the Isle of Lewis has been named as Douglas Craigie, while his missing crewmates are Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison, Police Scotland said.
Emergency services are searching for the vessel Kilda, which was reported missing off the coast of Port of News on the Isle of Lewis at around 11:35pm on Tuesday, 13 October.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said that a plane and two helicopters were making searches, while six coastguard rescue teams, two RNLI lifeboats, a local boat and Police Scotland have also been involved.
Police Scotland have named the man whose body was found in the sea in the early hours of Wednesday morning as 49-year-old Douglas Craigie.
The force also identified his two missing crewmates, 40-year-old Norman Murray, who is known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23. All three men are local to the Isle of Lewis.
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.
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for 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.
“We are working closely with the HM Coastguard and RNLI to search for the vessel and the two missing men
“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.
“Instead, if you believe you may have any information which could assist emergency services then please call 101 quoting reference 3575 of 13 October.
“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 (the Western Isles Council), 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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