Missing fishermen search resumes one week after disappearance off Scottish coast

Search efforts for two missing fishermen off the north coast of the Isle of Lewis have restarted after being temporarily suspended.

Norman "Tam" Murray, 40, and 23-year-old Murdo Morrison remain unaccounted for after their vessel, the Kilda, vanished on 13 October.

Although the body of crewmate Douglas Craigie, 49, was pulled from the sea at around 2.45am on 14 October, the remaining two men and the boat remain missing.

Police Scotland confirmed that operations resumed on Wednesday morning after adverse sea conditions and anchoring difficulties forced a temporary halt to the search.

Officers from the force’s Marine and Dive Unit, along with partner agencies, are currently focusing inquiries on an area of interest near the Port of Ness, close to where the men went missing.

Inspector Neil Taylor, local area Inspector for the Western Isles, said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“We understand how distressing this must be for all involved and I want to assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to get answers for those affected.

“This is a complex operation and we would ask that officers and specialists are given the time and space to carry out their enquiries.

“The families continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.”

He added: “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.

“If you believe you may have any information which could assist emergency services then please call 101 quoting reference 3575 of 13 October.

“Officers remain in the Port of Ness area and if you have any concerns or information then I would urge you to speak to them.”

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) exclusion zone is in place for divers and vessels in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.

A GoFundMe for the families affected by the event has raised almost £65,000, against a target of £110,000.