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Search for missing fishing boat identifies two sites of interest

Eilidh Davies
Police Scotland The men are pictured in a composite image.Police Scotland
Douglas Craigie, Murdo Morrison and Norman Murray had been fishing off the north coast of Lewis

Two sites have been identified for further investigation in the search for a missing fishing boat off the north of the Isle of Lewis.

Three men were on board the Kilda when it disappeared on the 13th of October.

The body of crew member Douglas Craigie was found by search teams the day after the Kilda failed to port but two other men - Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison - remain unaccounted for.

A survey was carried out at the weekend by the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel NLV Pharos in an area east of the Butt of Lewis.

Northern Lighthouse Board NLV Pharos is large ship with white and dark blue hull. It has a heli deck with a small helicopter on it.Northern Lighthouse Board
The NLV Pharos has hydrographic and wreck survey equipment

The vessel has hydrographic and wreck survey equipment.

Further work is to be done in two areas as part of an investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

It has also put in place an exclusion zone which means vessels cannot anchor unless it is an emergency.

Fishing by nets, trawls or lines and any unsanctioned diving operations are also not permitted while the investigation continues.

Police Scotland Inspector Neil Taylor said their thoughts remained with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

He added: "It is imperative we get answers for everyone involved and please be assured our efforts are continuing. We are grateful for the specialist work of NLV Pharos over the past weekend to progress the search and investigation.

"We continue to work with partners, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local maritime experts

"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."