Emergency services are continuing to search under “very challenging” conditions for two lost fishermen and their vessel off the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
The fishing boat vanished in waters near the Port of Ness on Tuesday evening. While the body of one crew member was recovered at 2.45am on Wednesday, the remaining two men and the boat have yet to be located.
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for Police Scotland in the Western Isles, said: “We are very aware of the impact that this incident will have on communities across the Outer Hebrides and beyond.
“I would like to reassure people that considerable efforts are ongoing between ourselves and partners to locate the vessel and the two remaining unaccounted for crew members.
“The families of all three men involved are being provided with specialist support as these searches continue.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
The vessel was last reported working close to the Port of Ness in the north of the island.
HM Coastguard confirmed that a widespread operation is in progress involving an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams, and a local vessel.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) added that its Lochinver all-weather lifeboat is participating in the effort. Stornoway’s all-weather lifeboat was initially launched at 9.42pm on Tuesday to search for the overdue vessel, with police notified at 11.35pm.
Formal identification of the deceased crew member has not yet taken place, but Police Scotland officers are supporting the families of all three men.
Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council), 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 posted on X: “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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