The body of a man has been recovered during a search for a missing fishing vessel in the Outer Hebrides. Emergency services are continuing to search for the boat and the two other men who were on board.
The vessel was reported missing off the coast of Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis, at about 11.35pm on Tuesday. Formal identification of the recovered man has not yet taken place, but the families of all three men have been informed and are receiving support from Police Scotland officers.
Search operation details
HM Coastguard said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams and a local vessel have been involved in the search. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) confirmed its Lochinver all-weather lifeboat is also present at the scene.
Community reaction
Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council), described the incident as a “dark day” for the local community. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland’s Lunchtime Live show on Wednesday, he said: “It is very, very sad news. It’s a very dark day for the community of Ness and the community of Lewis in general, after news emerged about this tragedy that happened last night.”
He added: “The vessel going missing, and three fishermen missing, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family affected. As I said, it’s a dark day; it’s even darker for the families affected, and we can’t even begin to comprehend what the families of the three fishermen are going through at the moment.”
