Specialist teams have completed examinations of two underwater sites off the Isle of Lewis but found no trace of the missing FV Kilda or its two crewmen, Police Scotland has confirmed.
The areas of interest, located east of the Butt of Lewis, were identified by the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel NLV Pharos. They were searched using specialist equipment provided by MOWI, working alongside the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
Search finds nothing related to missing vessel
Nothing relating to the missing FV Kilda was identified during the searches, and a maritime exclusion zone in the area has now been lifted. The vessel was last known to have been operating close to the Port of Ness in the north of Lewis on Tuesday, October 13.
Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, from the boat's crew remain unaccounted for and are being treated as missing people. The body of their crewmate Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the water at around 2.45am on Wednesday, October 14.
Ongoing efforts to locate the boat and crew
The MAIB's preliminary assessment into the loss of the fishing vessel is continuing as efforts to locate the boat and its missing crew remain ongoing.
Inspector Neil Taylor said: "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident."
"We continue to work with partners, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local maritime experts to locate the Kilda and the two missing men," he added. "We are grateful for the support of all of our partners, including the NLV Pharos and staff from MOWI for their assistance with the search."
Community fundraising and previous recovery efforts
The tragedy has had a devastating impact on the island's fishing community, with the Western Isles Fishermen's Association launching a fundraiser to support the families of the men. They described the incident as "one of the worst sea tragedies in the Isle of Lewis for a generation".
The appeal has raised over £250,000 to help loved ones left behind, including young children. The families of all three men continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.
Specialist officers of Police Scotland's Dive and Marine Unit previously recovered items from the boat during searches in the area. Police also used a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to scour the area close to the Port of Ness but were forced to halt operations as a result of "sea conditions and anchoring challenges".
Anyone with concerns or information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 3575 of October 13.
