Missing fishing vessel search in Outer Hebrides

A search operation was launched in the Outer Hebrides following the disappearance of a fishing vessel near the Port of Ness on the Isle of Lewis. Early reports indicated that the body of one man, believed to be the vessel’s skipper, was recovered, while two other crew members and the boat remained missing. Search efforts involved multiple agencies, including Police Scotland and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, but were hampered by severe weather.

As the situation progressed, the recovered individual was identified as 49-year-old Douglas Craigie. His crewmates, Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing. While specialist officers identified an area of interest, search operations were temporarily paused due to adverse sea conditions and difficulties with anchoring and the deployment of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has established an exclusion zone for divers between the Butt of Lewis and the Port of Ness. In response to the incident, the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association initiated a GoFundMe appeal to support the families of the crew.