Search resumes for men missing in 'worst fishing tragedy for a generation'

The search has resumed for two men and a fishing vessel missing off the Isle of Lewis.

The Kilda was reported overdue on 13 October and the body of 49-year old Douglas Craigie was recovered the following day. His two crewmates, Tam Murray and Murdo Morrison, have still not been found.

After setting up a fundraiser for the families of all three men, the Western Isles Fishing Association said the loss is ''one of the worst fishing tragedies in a generation in the Western Isles''.

Searches were initially called off on 18 October with specialist officers from Police Scotland's Marine and Dive unit now working in an area of interest off the coast.

Duncan Macinnes, secretary of the Western Isles Fishermen's Association, said the incident has had a devastating impact in the local community.

He told BBC Scotland: "It is just an unimaginable tragedy that happened just over a week ago and we have heartfelt sorrow for the grieving families who have suffered such loss and we pray that Tam and Murdo will be found.

"We are thankful for the rescue services that have taken place by the Coastguard,, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), Police Scotland, and all the others that have gone and assisted in any way possible to try and find those that have been lost.

"With a tragedy like this which is one of the worst fishing tragedies that we have experienced in the Western Isles in a generation, it is going to leave broken hearts.

"It is just very difficult and total devastation for the industry and for the community."

Macinnes said the Western Isles Fishing Association had been working closely with the families after they agreed to a fundraiser being set up.

"After about seven hours it had reached £18,000. We have identified key members of the public within each of the communities and they will work with us to make sure the funding goes to those that need it most," he said.

Searches were paused on 18 October due to adverse weather conditions and Macinnes said he was in communication with Police Scotland daily to discuss search efforts.

"We are working with the local community and Police Scotland and have agreed that local expertise from experienced fishermen in the area will be there to assist them when they resume their operations," he said.

"We also expect police divers to arrive on the island shortly and we will be keeping in very close touch, as our local fishermen work alongside them during the continued operation."

HM Coastguard stood down its operations on 15 October, pending any new information.

Insp Neil said the thoughts of the force remain with everyone affected by the incident.

He said: "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."

An MAIB exclusion zone remains in place for divers and vessels in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.

Macinnes said he had to commend the MAIB officers that have been on the island since last Thursday.

"While we await till they conclude their investigation and come out with recommendations that will hopefully show why this accident happened and that lessons can be learned so such incidents don't happen again," he said.

Insp Taylor 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."

He urged anyone with any information that may help in the search to contact Police Scotland.