Items recovered in search for missing fishing boat and crew off Isle of Lewis

Friday, 23 October 2026 at 12:36

By Jenness Mitchell, Scotland reporter

Items belonging to a fishing boat that vanished off the Western Isles have been recovered as searches continue for the vessel and two missing crew members.

Norman "Tam" Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, are yet to be found following the disappearance of Kilda off the north coast of the Isle of Lewis on 13 October.

The body of crewmate Douglas Craigie, 49, was pulled from the water by rescuers in the early hours of the following morning.

On Thursday evening, Police Scotland confirmed that items belonging to the boat had been recovered by the force's marine and dive unit and partners from a marked "area of interest" off Port of Ness.

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) exclusion zone that had been in place for divers and vessels lifted at 11.59pm on Thursday night.

Mr Murray and Mr Morrison are being treated as missing people as the search goes on.

Inspector Neil Taylor said: "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

"Efforts are continuing to work with partners and we are doing everything we can to get answers.

"We would again reiterate that this is a complex operation and we would ask that officers and specialists are given the time and space to carry out their enquiries.

"Please do not attempt to carry out searches in areas which put you at risk of harm."

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A GoFundMe for the fishermen's families has raised more than £170,000.

Organiser Isabel Macleod wrote: "This unimaginable tragedy has had a devastating impact on the whole community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the three men.

"We pray that Tam and Murdo are found."

Ms Macleod said the Western Isles Fishermen's Association was aiming to do "all it can" to assist those affected.

She added: "It has engaged with the communities of Carloway, Barvas, Ness and Stornoway in identifying key individuals who will ensure that all the families who have suffered, due to one of the worst sea tragedies in the Isle of Lewis for a generation, will be supported for the future."

Sky News