Search Halted for Two Missing Fishermen After Tragedy Off Isle of Lewis
Coastguard suspends operation for Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison; body of skipper Douglas Craigie found.
The search for two missing fishermen, Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, has been suspended after their vessel, the FV Kilda, failed to return to port off the Isle of Lewis on Tuesday evening. The body of their crewmate and skipper, Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered near Port of Ness early Wednesday morning.
The HM Coastguard announced the suspension of the search on Thursday night, stating it would resume only if new information becomes available. "After an extensive search, the HM Coastguard response to a fishing vessel reported overdue from Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, has been stood down, pending any new information," a spokesman said.
Search operations on Wednesday were hampered by severe weather, including 70 mph gales and 10-foot waves, before conditions improved. Craigie, who was due to celebrate his 50th birthday on Thursday, was found in the early hours of Wednesday, but his crewmates and the FV Kilda remain missing.
Tributes have poured in for Craigie from the close-knit island community. Friends described him as a "legend" and "the best in the business," lamenting the unforgiving nature of the sea. "Douglas was a lovely guy – really funny from a lovely family. Such a huge loss for his family and for the island. It’s a sad day," one islander wrote.
Both Murray and Morrison are from Lewis. Videos previously shared by Murray from onboard fishing vessels, like the FV Carlsbay which Craigie was understood to operate, often showcased the harsh sea conditions around the Isle of Lewis.
Western Isles MSP Donald MacKinnon expressed his condolences to the families and commended the emergency services for their efforts in brutal conditions. A minute's silence was observed at the Royal National Mòd in Glasgow, and Western Isles MP Torcuil Crichton extended sympathies in Westminster. Kenneth Macleod, convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, called it a "very dark day for the communities affected by this tragedy."
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has dispatched a team to the area to conduct a preliminary assessment into the loss of the UK-registered fishing vessel.