Police Scotland has identified two areas of interest in the search for two missing fishermen and their boat off the Isle of Lewis.
The FV Kilda disappeared on Tuesday, October 13, near the Port of Ness off the north coast of the island in the Outer Hebrides. The body of 49-year-old Douglas Craigie was pulled from the water the following day. His crewmates - Norman 'Tam' Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23 - are yet to be located and being treated as missing.
Survey by NLV Pharos
The development comes one week after a specialist boat was deployed during searches for the missing vessel. The survey was carried out by the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel NLV Pharos over the weekend. Work will now be carried out to further assess these sites as part of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch's investigation.
Police appeal and recovery efforts
Inspector Neil Taylor said: "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
"It is imperative we get answers for everyone involved and please be assured our efforts are continuing. We are grateful for the specialist work of NLV Pharos over the past weekend to progress the search and investigation.
"We continue to work with partners, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local maritime experts. We 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."
The latest development comes after specialist officers from Police Scotland's Dive and Marine Unit confirmed items from the boat have been recovered 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".
Community support and fundraiser
The families continue to ask for their privacy to be respected. Last week, a fundraiser was set up by The Western Isles Fishermen's Association to help loved ones of the men, who left behind young children, and has so far raised nearly £250,000. The organiser said that the incident has had a "devastating impact on the whole community".
A statement on the page read: "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.
"The fishermen have left behind families and young children. We also remember John Angus who has lost his boat whilst experiencing significant health problems.
"We want to do all it can to assist these families at this time and in the future. 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. Please donate so these families and their children are supported through the challenging times ahead."
If you have any concerns, or information, please call 101 quoting reference 3575 of 13 October. To donate to the GoFundMe, visit their page here.
