Items Found in Search for Missing Scottish Fishing Boat

Items belonging to a fishing boat that disappeared off the north coast of the Isle of Lewis last week have been recovered as the search for the vessel and two missing crew members continues. Norman "Tam" Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, were on board the Kilda when it vanished on October 13.

The body of crewmate Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the sea in the early hours of the following morning by rescuers.

On Thursday, police confirmed that items belonging to the vessel had been recovered from an area described as "an area of interest" off the coast near Port of Ness. The search was conducted by Police Scotland's marine and dive unit and partner agencies.

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) exclusion zone, which had been in place for divers and vessels in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness, was scheduled to be lifted at 23:59 on Thursday.

Insp Neil Taylor, local area inspector for the Western Isles, described the search as a "complex operation" and requested that officers be given "time and space" to carry out their inquiries. "Efforts are continuing to work with partners and we are doing everything we can to get answers," he stated. "While the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) exclusion zone will be lifted tonight, we 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."

A GoFundMe campaign established for the families affected by the incident has raised more than £148,000, exceeding its target of £110,000.