Hunt continues for missing Lewis fishing boat after body found as police name crew

Police have identified the body of a man recovered during searches for a missing fishing boat and its crew off the Western Isles.

The body of Douglas Craigie, 49, was found at about 2.45am on Wednesday, with searches continuing for his crewmates - 40-year-old Norman Murray, known as Tam, and 23-year-old Murdo Morrison.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the alarm was raised at about 9.20pm on Tuesday when the boat, named Kilda, failed to return to the Isle of Lewis.

Police Scotland, which was notified at about 11.35pm, said the crew had been sailing off Port of Ness.

A multi-agency rescue operation was launched, with support from the force, HM Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

In an update on Thursday, Police Scotland said the boat is believed to have sailed from Brevig on the west coast of Lewis at around 7.30am on Tuesday before travelling to the Port of Ness area to work.

All three men are local to the Isle of Lewis.

Mr Murray and Mr Morrison are being treated as missing people, and the search continues for them and the Kilda.

The men's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

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 is 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."

The searches on Wednesday took place during a yellow weather warning for high winds in the region.

The Met Office alert was issued for parts of the Scottish Highlands and Western Isles, with gusts of up to 70mph expected in places.

The MCA said a coastguard plane, two coastguard helicopters, six coastguard rescue teams, two RNLI lifeboats and Police Scotland were involved in the search.

The RNLI said its Lochinver all-weather lifeboat was present.

CI McCartney added: "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."

He added: "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."

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First Minister John Swinney earlier described the incident as "deeply distressing".

In a post on X, he added: "My heart goes out to the families of the three fishermen in Ness, and the communities on the Isle of Lewis."

Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council), said it was a "very dark day for the communities affected by this tragedy".

He added: "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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Hunt continues for missing Lewis fishing boat after body found as police name crew