Tributes have been paid to a fisherman who died after a boat went missing in the Outer Hebrides. Douglas Craigie has been named as the man whose body was found after the vessel disappeared off the Isle of Lewis near Port of Ness on Tuesday night.
His two crewmates, Norman Murray, 40, who is known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain unaccounted for. They are being treated as missing people. All three men are local to the Isle of Lewis. Extensive searches involving HM Coastguard, RNLI and police are ongoing in the area.
Community tributes
Heartfelt words of condolence have since poured in for Douglas from devastated loved ones who remember him as "one of the most respected and experienced men in the job".
Kevin Anderson wrote: "Some folk were just born Legends, my Skipper you certainly were. So many memories. Thoughts are with all the families in these difficult hours. The sea has no mercy at times. Leave some lobsters up there for the rest of us Craigie!"
Elle Flanagan penned: "I am so sorry to hear this. Douglas was a lovely guy in school. Such a sad day for your family and Carloway. You and your family a very much in our thoughts at this sad time."
John Scott scribed: "Devastating, The most hard working man/men in the west coast, by far. Difficult times for all folk in the community and fishing industry. Probably one of the most respected and experienced man in the job."
Search details
The vessel was last known to have been operating close to the Port of Ness in the north of the island. HM Coastguard said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams and a local vessel have been involved in the search.
The RNLI said its Lochinver all-weather lifeboat is also present. The RNLI said Stornoway’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 9.42pm on Tuesday to search for the overdue fishing boat, and police were later alerted at 11.35pm. Douglas' body was sadly recovered around 2.45am on Wednesday, October 14.
Official response
Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: "This is a very dark day for the community and the Isle of Lewis affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families of the three fishermen involved in the sinking. We can’t even begin to comprehend what the families of the three fishermen are going through."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them. It is not easy for the teams out searching, with very strong gusts of wind and heavy rain. The emergency services are to be commended for their searches since they received the initial call."
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said: "We are very aware of the impact that this incident will have on communities across the Outer Hebrides and beyond."
"I would like to reassure people that considerable efforts are ongoing between ourselves and partners to locate the vessel and the two remaining unaccounted for crew members. The families of all three men involved are being provided with specialist support as these searches continue."
"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."
"Instead, if you believe you may have any information which could assist emergency services then please call 101 quoting reference 3575 of October 12. 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."
