Police have named a fisherman who was found dead after his vessel disappeared off Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
The body of 49-year-old Douglas Craigie was recovered after reports that the fishing boat had gone missing off the Isle of Lewis.
The father of three was one of three crew members aboard the Kilda, which was last believed to be operating near Port of Ness in the north of the island.
His crewmates, 40-year-old Norman Murray, known as Tam, and 23-year-old Murdo Morrison, have not been found and are being treated as missing.
All three men were from Lewis. Mr Craigie, who would have celebrated his 50th birthday tomorrow, was from Carloway; Mr Murray was from Ness, while Mr Morrison came from Barvas.
Police were contacted at 11.35pm on Tuesday after the boat failed to return to harbour. The Kilda has yet to be located, and search operations remain under way.
Mr Craigie’s body was recovered at about 2.45am on Wednesday in the surrounding area.
The Kilda is believed to have left Brevaig, on Lewis’s west coast, at around 7.30am on Tuesday before heading towards Port of Ness.
The body of 49-year-old Douglas Craigie was found in the early hours of Wednesday after the fishing boat was reported missing off the Isle of Lewis
Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and 23-year-old Murdo Morrison (pictured) remain missing after the vessel disappeared off Lewis
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the initial alert was raised at about 9.20pm when the vessel failed to arrive at its destination. The RNLI said Stornoway’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 9.42pm.
HM Coastguard said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams and a local vessel were also deployed in the search.
The crew are believed to have been working aboard a creel boat, the type typically used to catch shellfish including crabs and lobsters.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the area, with gusts of up to 70mph recorded in parts of the Highlands and Western Isles.
Police Scotland urged members of the public not to risk their own safety by attempting to join the search, warning that conditions remained “very challenging”.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Craigie. Friend Ciaran Peck described him as “the best in the business and, more importantly, a great guy”.
“It was a pleasure knowing you. Thoughts are with all the families in these difficult times,” he added. “The sea is an unforgiving place. Rest easy Douglas, you’ll be missed by all.”
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Kevin Anderson wrote: “Some folk were just born legends. My skipper, you certainly were.”
“So many memories. Thoughts are with all the families in these difficult hours.”
“The sea has no mercy at times. Leave some lobsters up there for the rest of us, Craigie!”
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said: ‘Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
‘The families of all three men involved are being provided with specialist support as our searches continue. We would ask that the privacy of the families of all three men are respected at this difficult time.
‘We are working closely with the HM Coastguard and RNLI to search for the vessel and the two missing men
‘We know that the local community will be keen to help in any way they can. However, conditions are very challenging and I 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.
‘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 will remain 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.’
Western Isles Convener Kenny Macleod said: ‘It is a very dark day for the communities affected by this tragedy.
‘We can’t even begin to comprehend what the families of the three fishermen are going through at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
‘It is not easy for the teams out searching, with very strong gusts of wind and heavy rain. We are very grateful for all those out searching in very challenging weather conditions.’
First Minister John Swinney also paid his respects, and said: ‘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.’
A spokesman for HM Coastguard said it ‘received a report at around 9.20pm on Tuesday, of a fishing vessel with three people on board overdue from Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides.
‘A range of search and rescue assets have been sent in response, including HM Coastguard helicopters and aeroplanes, Coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats, and a nearby vessel.’
