TWO FISHERMEN STILL MISSING AT SEA AFTER MORE THAN THREE WEEKS AS SEARCH FOR VANISHED BOAT KILDA ENDS WITHOUT ANSWERS

Two fishermen remain missing more than three weeks after their fishing vessel disappeared off the coast of Scotland, as the latest search operation has ended without finding the men or their boat.

Norman “Tam” Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, were among three crew members aboard the fishing vessel Kilda when it vanished near the Isle of Lewis on October 13, 2026.

Their crewmate, Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the sea in the early hours of October 14. However, the other two fishermen and the vessel itself have yet to be located.

The disappearance has devastated the close-knit fishing communities of the Western Isles, where families, friends and fellow fishermen continue to wait for answers.

THE FISHING BOAT VANISHED AFTER LEAVING FOR WORK

According to Police Scotland, the Kilda is believed to have departed from Brevaig on the west coast of Lewis at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13.

The vessel then travelled towards the Port of Ness area in the north of the island to carry out fishing activities.

When the boat failed to return as expected that evening, concerns quickly grew.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) launched its all-weather lifeboat at approximately 9:42 p.m. after the vessel was reported overdue.

Police Scotland was notified at around 11:35 p.m., triggering a major emergency response involving coastguard teams, rescue helicopters, aircraft, lifeboats and local vessels.

Despite difficult weather conditions, crews searched the surrounding waters throughout the night.

At approximately 2:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, Douglas Craigie’s body was recovered from the sea.

His two crewmates, Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison, remained missing.

TWO FISHERMEN REMAIN UNACCOUNTED FOR

Police Scotland confirmed the identities of all three crew members following the incident.

Douglas Craigie, 49, was an experienced fishing skipper who lived in the Carloway area with his wife and three children.

He was widely respected within the Western Isles fishing community and remembered as a hardworking and dedicated fisherman who had helped younger people build careers at sea.

Norman “Tam” Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, were also from the Isle of Lewis.

Both men remain officially unaccounted for and are being treated as missing people.

The fishing vessel Kilda has also not been found.

Their families have received specialist support and have asked for privacy while they face the uncertainty surrounding their loved ones.

SEARCH OF TWO UNDERWATER LOCATIONS FINDS NOTHING

In the weeks following the disappearance, specialist teams continued investigating areas of interest off the coast of Lewis.

On October 22, Police Scotland confirmed that items believed to belong to the missing fishing vessel had been recovered from an area near Port of Ness.

A specialist boat, the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel NLV Pharos, was subsequently deployed on October 30 to conduct further surveys.

During the operation, two potential locations east of the Butt of Lewis were identified for closer examination.

However, the latest update delivered another disappointing development.

On November 4, Police Scotland confirmed that examinations of both locations had been completed using specialist equipment provided by seafood company MOWI, working alongside the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

Nothing connected to the Kilda or its missing crew members was found.

Following the examinations, the maritime exclusion zone in the area was lifted.

Inspector Neil Taylor said police would continue working with partner agencies, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local maritime experts, to locate the missing vessel and two fishermen.

The MAIB’s preliminary assessment into the loss of the Kilda is continuing.

INITIAL SEARCH WAS SUSPENDED AFTER DIFFICULT WEATHER CONDITIONS

The original large-scale search and rescue operation was stood down on October 15 after emergency crews were unable to locate the remaining crew members.

The decision came after extensive efforts involving multiple emergency services and specialist rescue resources.

Although the initial operation ended, subsequent investigations and targeted searches continued as new information and areas of interest emerged.

Challenging sea conditions have complicated efforts in the waters surrounding the Outer Hebrides.

Authorities have repeatedly warned members of the public not to conduct independent searches in dangerous coastal areas.

Police have emphasized that anyone with potentially useful information should contact officers rather than putting themselves at risk.

FISHING COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND THE GRIEVING FAMILIES

The disappearance has affected far more than the immediate families of the three fishermen.

Across the Western Isles, local residents have come together to provide practical and emotional support to those facing the loss and uncertainty.

Neighbours have delivered homemade food, prepared meals and offered assistance to families struggling to cope.

The Fishermen’s Mission has also been supporting those affected, providing emotional, practical and financial assistance.

Louise Liddell, a mission area officer, described how difficult it had been for fishing families and fellow crew members to return to their normal routines while two men remained missing.

Some fishermen have expressed a strong desire to help with the search, using their knowledge of local waters. However, difficult conditions and safety concerns have limited what they can do.

Duncan MacInnes, secretary of the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association, described the incident as one of the worst fishing tragedies in a generation.

A fundraising appeal was also launched to help the affected families. Donations quickly grew as people from across the islands and beyond came forward to show their support.

DOUGLAS CRAIGIE REMEMBERED AS FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAY GOODBYE

While the families of Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison continue waiting for news, loved ones of Douglas Craigie have been remembering the fisherman whose body was recovered.

Craigie was well known throughout the local fishing industry, not only for his experience as a skipper but also for giving younger fishermen opportunities to learn and develop their skills.

Friends described him as a true gentleman, a dedicated worker and someone who would be deeply missed.

His death has left his wife, three children and wider family facing an enormous loss.

Tributes from fellow fishermen have also highlighted the dangers faced by those who work at sea and the close bonds shared within the industry.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AS FAMILIES WAIT FOR ANSWERS

More than three weeks after the Kilda disappeared, there is still no confirmed explanation for what happened to the vessel.

The latest underwater examinations have failed to locate the boat or the two missing fishermen.

Police Scotland and its partner agencies say efforts to establish what happened are continuing, while the Marine Accident Investigation Branch carries on with its preliminary assessment.

For the families of Norman “Tam” Murray and Murdo Morrison, the uncertainty remains deeply painful.

For the wider island community, the tragedy is a reminder of the risks faced by fishermen who leave home each day to work in unpredictable waters.

One crew member has been recovered, two remain missing, and the Kilda has yet to be found.

As loved ones continue to hope for answers, the community remains united in supporting the families through one of the most difficult periods in their lives.