Search for missing fishermen stood down after boat vanished off Scottish coast

16 Oct 2026 • 5:49 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Search for missing fishermen stood down after boat vanished off Scottish coast

Search operations for the crew of a fishing boat missing off a Scottish island have been stood down pending any new information.

The Kilda disappeared on Tuesday night in sea waters near the Port of Ness off the northern coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

The body of Douglas Craigie, 49, was retrieved from the water at around 2.45am on Wednesday, but his crewmates Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing.

Police Scotland stated that the three men involved are local to the island. The fishing boat the men were aboard, the Kilda, has also not been found.

The body of Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the sea (Family handout/PA) (PA Media)

The RNLI deployed its all-weather Lochinver lifeboat out at 9.42pm on Tuesday when the boat failed to return, with Police Scotland subsequently notified of the disappearance at 11.35pm that night.

HM Coastguard previously stated that an aircraft, two rescue helicopters, six ground teams and a local vessel had participated in the search.

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

Following an extensive search, HM Coastguard confirmed on Thursday evening that search efforts have been stood down pending any further information.

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

Norman Murray remains missing (Family handout/PA) (PA Media)

"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."

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.

Murdo Morrison, 23, also remains missing (Family handout/PA) (PA Media)

"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.

He confirmed that a police presence would continue to remain in the Port of Ness area.

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