A diving ban has been imposed between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness as specialist Police Scotland divers prepare to search for two missing fishermen and their vessel, Kilda. 

It is planned to commence the search by Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit in the area early next week.

The exclusion zone was put in place by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) as an initial search failed to locate the missing men, Norman Murray (40) and Murdo Morrison (23). Despite an extensive search of the area, no trace of either man or the 8-metre-long Kilda has been found.

The body of a third crewman, Douglas Craigie (49), was recovered from the sea in the early hours of Wednesday (Oct 14). Their fishing vessel was known to have been operating in the vicinity of Port of Ness on Tuesday. 

Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“We have a team of officers dedicated to this operation who are carrying out extensive work to trace the two men who remain unaccounted for.

“We will also be utilising officers from our Dive and Marine Unit early next week.

“MAIB have put an exclusion zone in place for divers in the area where searches have been carried out. However, vessels can still operate in this area.

“We know the local community are keen to help in any way they can. However, we 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 13 October.

“A police presence continues 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.”

Image content - supplied by Police Scotland