POLICE SCOTLAND PLANS DIVE SEARCH FOR MISSING KILDA CREW

Police Scotland said its Dive and Marine Unit will search early next week for Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison, who remain missing after the fishing boat Kilda disappeared off the Isle of Lewis. Police said the crew had been working near Port of Ness on Tuesday, 13 October. Searchers recovered the body of fellow crew member Douglas Craigie in the area at about 2.45am on Wednesday, according to police. Officers are also trying to locate the Kilda and continue to treat Murray and Morrison as missing people.

Police understand that the Kilda left Brevaig, on the island’s west side, at about 7.30am on Tuesday before travelling towards Port of Ness to work. The RNLI launched its Lochinver lifeboat at 9.42pm after the boat failed to return. Police Scotland received notification of the disappearance at 11.35pm. HM Coastguard said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams and a local vessel took part in the search. HM Coastguard said on Thursday that it had stood down its response pending new information.

Police Scotland said the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has imposed an exclusion zone for divers between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness. Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said vessels can still operate in the area. He urged people who want to help to avoid dangerous searches, saying: “Please do not attempt to carry out searches in areas which put you at risk of harm.” McCartney also asked the public to respect the families’ privacy.