Isle of Lewis search for missing fishing vessel paused

Search operations for a missing fishing vessel and two crew members off the Isle of Lewis have been temporarily paused due to adverse sea conditions and anchoring challenges. The vessel, carrying three people, failed to arrive at the Port of Ness on Tuesday night.

The body of 49-year-old Douglas Craigie was recovered from the sea early Wednesday morning. However, his crewmates, 40-year-old Norman Murray and 23-year-old Murdo Morrison, remain missing. While an area of interest has been identified by specialist officers, the deployment of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) has been hindered by the weather.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has established an exclusion zone for divers between the Butt of Lewis and the Port of Ness. Local authorities stated that search efforts will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

In response to the tragedy, the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association has launched a GoFundMe appeal to support the affected families, which include young children. As of recent reports, more than £6,000 has been raised toward an £8,000 goal.