(Image: Police Scotland)
An exclusion zone has been put in place for divers in an area near where a boat went missing off the Isle of Lewis.
Police say officers are continuing efforts to trace two missing men and their fishing vessel off the Isle of Lewis.
Norman Murray, 40, who is known as "Tam", and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain unaccounted for and are being treated as missing people.
They are part of the crew of the fishing boat Kilda**,** last known to have been operating close to the Port of Ness in the north of the island on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The body of Douglas Craigie, who was also part of the crew, was recovered in the area around 2.45am on Wednesday, October 14.
The fishing boat went missing off the coast near Port of Ness on the Isle of Lewis (Image: Alamy/PA)
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Specialist officers from Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit will carry out searches in the area early next week, and extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the men and the vessel.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has put an exclusion zone in place for divers between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“We have a team of officers dedicated to this operation who are carrying out extensive work to trace the two men who remain unaccounted for.
“We will also be utilising officers from our Dive and Marine Unit early next week.
“We would continue to ask that the privacy of the families are respected at this difficult time.
“MAIB have put an exclusion zone in place for divers in the area where searches have been carried out. However, vessels can still operate in this area.
“We know the local community are keen to help in any way they can. However, we 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.
“Instead, if you believe you may have any information which could assist emergency services then please call 101 quoting reference 3575 of 13 October.
“A police presence continues in the Port of Ness area and if you have any concerns or information then I would urge you to speak to one of our officers.
Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have put an exclusion zone in place for divers in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness (Image: Police Scotland)
Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Cllr Duncan Macinnes, Secretary of the Western Isles Fisherman’s Association and Depute Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar gave a message of support to the family and friends of Douglas Craigie, Norman “Tam” Murray and Murdo Morrison following the loss of FV Kilda of the coast of Lewis on Tuesday evening.
Cllr Macleod said: “This tragedy has had a huge impact on our community, and we all feel the pain and shock of this unimaginable incident. While the community mourns, we can’t even begin to comprehend what the families and friends of Douglas, Tam and Murdo are going through at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. On behalf of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, I would like to thank all those who contributed to the search effort in challenging conditions.”
Cllr Macinnes said: “Our islands and our industry has suffered an unimaginable tragedy. This has been a devastating week for the local fishing community, particularly those who have seen first-hand the hard work, humour and friendship of Douglas, Tam and Murdo. At what is a heartbreaking time for our islands I thank all those who have supported the search effort and those who have provided comfort to the impacted families. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the three men and we pray that Tam and Murdo are found.”
First MinisterJohn Swinney previously posted about the situation on X, saying: “This is deeply distressing news.
“My heart goes out to the families of the three fishermen in Ness, and the communities on the Isle of Lewis.”