MAJOR UPDATE: POLICE DIVERS RECOVER ITEMS FROM MISSING SCOTTISH FISHING BOAT AS SEARCH FOR TWO CREWMEN CONTINUES

The discovery comes after a devastating incident off the Isle of Lewis that claimed the life of one fisherman, while two of his crewmates remain missing and the vessel has yet to be located.

A major development has emerged in the search for a missing Scottish fishing boat after specialist police divers recovered items belonging to the vessel as investigators continue trying to establish what happened at sea.

Police Scotland confirmed that officers from its Marine and Dive Unit, working alongside partner agencies, recovered the items on Thursday, October 22, from an area of interest off Port of Ness on the Isle of Lewis, in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.

The vessel, known as the Kilda, went missing on Tuesday, October 13, after failing to return as expected. Three men were aboard the fishing boat: skipper Douglas Craigie, 49, Norman “Tam” Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23.

ONE CREWMEMBER FOUND AS TWO OTHERS REMAIN MISSING

The tragedy began when the fishing boat failed to arrive as expected, prompting a search involving emergency services and maritime rescue teams.

In the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, rescuers recovered the body of Douglas Craigie from the sea near Port of Ness. His two crewmates, Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison, have not been found and continue to be treated as missing people.

The fishing vessel itself also remains unaccounted for.

All three men were local to the Isle of Lewis, making the incident particularly distressing for families and communities across the island.

RECOVERED ITEMS COULD HELP INVESTIGATORS

The latest recovery marks an important development in the ongoing inquiries. Police confirmed that the items belong to the missing vessel, although officials have not publicly detailed exactly what was recovered or established what the discoveries may reveal about the boat’s final movements.

Specialist officers and partner agencies have continued working to gather information and understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A maritime exclusion zone imposed by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch had restricted divers and vessels from entering a designated area while investigations were underway. Police Scotland confirmed that the exclusion zone was due to be lifted at 11:59 p.m. on October 22.

However, the recovery of items does not mean that the missing boat or the two men have been located. Their whereabouts remain unknown.

POLICE URGE THE PUBLIC TO STAY SAFE

Inspector Neil Taylor, the local area inspector for the Western Isles, expressed sympathy for everyone affected and said efforts to establish what happened were continuing with partner agencies.

He also stressed that the operation was complex and asked the public to give officers and specialists the time and space needed to carry out their work.

Authorities have warned people not to conduct searches in dangerous areas or put themselves at risk while trying to help.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 3575 of October 13.

A COMMUNITY WAITS FOR ANSWERS

The loss of Douglas Craigie and the continued uncertainty surrounding Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison have deeply affected the local fishing community.

Support has also been organised for the families of the three men, with the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association working with local communities to help those affected by the tragedy.

For their loved ones, the latest discovery may provide investigators with further information, but many painful questions remain unanswered.

The search and inquiries continue as families wait for news of the two missing fishermen and authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the Kilda.

As the investigation continues, the families have asked for their privacy to be respected during this extremely difficult time.

Sources: Police Scotland, Sky News and STV News.