ONE FISHERMAN FOUND DEAD, TWO STILL MISSING — THE HEARTBREAKING SEARCH FOR THE FV KILDA CREW

Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the sea after a fishing boat vanished off Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. His crewmates, Norman “Tam” Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing as difficult conditions hamper efforts to uncover what happened.

A close-knit island community is facing an agonising wait for answers after a fishing vessel disappeared off the Isle of Lewis, leaving one fisherman dead and two others unaccounted for.

The Kilda failed to return from a fishing trip on Tuesday, October 13, prompting an emergency response involving Police Scotland, HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and other rescue teams.

The body of skipper Douglas Craigie was recovered from the sea at approximately 2:45 a.m. the following morning. His two crewmates, Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison, have not been found, and the vessel itself remains missing.

As authorities work to investigate an identified area of interest off the coast, the families of the three men are left confronting a tragedy that has deeply affected communities across the Western Isles.

A FISHING TRIP THAT NEVER ENDED AS EXPECTED

Police believe the Kilda departed from Brevaig, on the west coast of Lewis, at around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13.

The vessel later travelled towards the Port of Ness area to work. When it failed to return that evening, an alarm was raised at approximately 9:20 p.m., and police were notified later that night.

A major search operation followed, involving aircraft, helicopters, coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and a nearby vessel.

Despite the extensive response, only Craigie was recovered. His crewmates and the fishing boat remained unaccounted for.

Authorities have not established what caused the vessel to disappear, and the precise circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.

THREE LOCAL MEN, ONE DEVASTATING LOSS

All three fishermen were local to the Isle of Lewis, where fishing is an important part of community life.

Douglas Craigie, 49, was an experienced skipper and a father. His death has prompted tributes from people who knew him and from members of the wider fishing community.

His body was recovered just days before what would have been his 50th birthday, adding another painful detail to the loss experienced by his family and friends.

Norman “Tam” Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing. Their families are waiting for news while authorities continue to assess what can safely be done to locate them.

Police Scotland has confirmed that specialist support is being provided to the families of all three men.

DIFFICULT SEA CONDITIONS COMPLICATE THE SEARCH

The operation has been affected by challenging weather, including strong winds and rough seas.

After the initial extensive search, the emergency response was stood down pending new information. Further work has since focused on an area of interest near Port of Ness.

Specialist officers have been working with partner agencies to investigate the area safely. Underwater investigations have been delayed by sea conditions and technical difficulties, meaning teams must wait for conditions to permit further work.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has also been involved in assessing the loss of the vessel.

Authorities have urged members of the public not to conduct their own searches in dangerous coastal waters. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland.

FAMILIES FACE AN UNBEARABLE WAIT

For the loved ones of the missing men, the absence of answers makes an already distressing situation even harder.

There is no confirmed explanation for what happened during the Kilda’s final hours. Until the vessel or further evidence is located, investigators may be unable to establish the full sequence of events.

Police have asked the public to respect the privacy of the families as they navigate this deeply painful period.

Across Lewis, the tragedy has prompted an outpouring of sympathy. Residents understand the dangers faced by those who work at sea, but that knowledge offers little comfort when local fishermen fail to return home.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Investigators will continue to assess opportunities for further specialist searches when conditions allow. The authorities have identified an area requiring further examination, but no confirmed discovery has yet explained the vessel’s disappearance.

For now, Douglas Craigie’s death has been confirmed, while Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison remain missing.

The families are waiting for answers, and the island community continues to grieve alongside them.

Three men went out to sea aboard the FV Kilda. One has been found, two remain missing, and the circumstances of their disappearance are still unknown.

May their families find strength and support through this devastating time.