The body of a man has been recovered during a search for a missing fishing vessel off the coast of the Outer Hebrides. Two other men remain missing after the boat disappeared near Port of Ness on the Isle of Lewis.
The vessel was reported missing to police at around 11.35pm on Tuesday, 13 October, 2026. Emergency services have been searching for the boat and the two other men onboard since then.
Search and rescue efforts
HM Coastguard said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams, two Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboats, and a local vessel have been involved in the search. The body of one of the men has been recovered, but formal identification has yet to take place.
Police Scotland said: 'Emergency services are in attendance following a report of a missing fishing vessel and three men onboard off the coast of Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis, which was reported to police around 11.35pm on Tuesday, 13 October, 2026.'
Community response
Western Isles Council convenor Kenneth Macleod announced that all three men live in Lewis. He said: 'It is a terrible tragedy and difficult to put into words. My condolences are with the families and friends.'
He added: 'I would also like to pay tribute to the coastguard teams, lifeboat crews and other members of the rescue services. The conditions out there are quite brutal – really challenging conditions. They have made extraordinary efforts.'
The families of all three men have been made aware and are receiving support from Police Scotland officers. The boat disappeared during a yellow wind warning issued by the Met Office, with gusts of up to 60mph expected in the area.
