Search resumes for two missing fishermen off Isle of Lewis

Body of third crewman recovered; police divers and MAIB investigate area near Butt of Lewis

By LineZotpaper

Published21 October 2026

Updated21 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources3 outlets

Police Scotland has resumed the search for two fishermen missing since their vessel the Kilda was reported overdue off the Isle of Lewis on 13 October. The body of crewman Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered the next day, while his shipmates Tam Murray and Murdo Morrison remain unaccounted for. Specialist officers from the force's Marine and Dive unit are now working in an area of interest off the north coast.

The Western Isles Fishing Association described the loss as one of the worst fishing tragedies in a generation in the Western Isles, and set up a fundraiser for the families of all three men. The association's secretary, Duncan Macinnes, said the incident has left "total devastation for the industry and for the community."

"It is just an unimaginable tragedy that happened just over a week ago and we have heartfelt sorrow for the grieving families who have suffered such loss and we pray that Tam and Murdo will be found," Macinnes told BBC Scotland. He said the fundraiser had reached £18,000 within about seven hours, with local community members identified to help direct the money to those who need it most.

Searches were initially paused on 18 October because of adverse weather. Macinnes said local fishermen with local expertise will assist police divers when operations resume, and expected divers to arrive on the island shortly.

HM Coastguard stood down its operations on 15 October pending any new information. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has an exclusion zone in place in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness. Macinnes commended MAIB officers who have been on the island since last week, saying he hoped their investigation would show why the accident happened and that lessons could be learned.

Police Scotland urged people not to carry out their own searches in risky areas. "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," said Inspector Taylor. Officers also asked for the families' privacy to be respected and for anyone with information to contact Police Scotland.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The loss touches a close-knit island community where fishing is central to local life and employment, and the impact will be felt long after the search ends.
The MAIB investigation could produce safety recommendations aimed at preventing a similar tragedy.
Finding the two missing men and the vessel would give families and the community some closure.

Background

The Western Isles are remote island communities off Scotland's north-west coast where fishing has long been an economic and cultural mainstay. The loss of a vessel and crew has deep and lasting effects on families, the industry and the wider community. Marine accident investigations typically examine the circumstances of such losses and can lead to changes in practice or regulation.

Key Perspectives

Fishing community: The Western Isles Fishing Association speaks of unimaginable tragedy, broken hearts and devastation, while mobilising a fundraiser that raised £18,000 in hours and offering local fishermen to assist police divers. Police: Describe a complex operation, ask for time and space for specialist officers, and urge residents not to carry out risky private searches. Investigators: The MAIB is working under an exclusion zone to establish what happened and produce recommendations so similar incidents are not repeated.

What to Watch

Whether Tam Murray and Murdo Morrison, and the vessel Kilda, are located as search operations continue.
The MAIB investigation's findings and any safety recommendations that follow.
Weather conditions, which have already forced one pause in search efforts.

Sources

Search resumes for men missing in 'worst fishing tragedy for a generation' · BBC Scotland
Search resumes for men missing in 'worst fishing tragedy for a generation' · BBC Scotland
Search for missing fishermen who vanished more than a week ago resumes · The Irish News

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedMacinnes said, “It is just an unimaginable tragedy that happened just over a week ago and we have heartfelt sorrow for the grieving families who have suffered such loss and we pray that Tam and Murdo will be found.”BBC Scotland: “He told BBC Scotland: "It is just an unimaginable tragedy that happened just over a week ago and we have heartfelt sorrow for the grieving families who have suffered such loss and we pray that Tam and Murdo will be found."”
SupportedMacinnes described “total devastation for the industry and for the community.”BBC Scotland: “"It is just very difficult and total devastation for the industry and for the community."”
SupportedInspector Taylor said, “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.”BBC Scotland: “Insp Taylor added: "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.”
Partly supportedOfficers asked for the families’ privacy to be respected.BBC Scotland: “He said: "... The families continue to ask for their privacy to be respected."”
Partly supportedPolice divers and the MAIB are investigating an area near the Butt of Lewis.BBC Scotland: “An MAIB exclusion zone remains in place for divers and vessels in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.”
SupportedThe search has resumed for two fishermen missing off the Isle of Lewis.BBC Scotland: “The search has resumed for two men and a fishing vessel missing off the Isle of Lewis.”
SupportedThe body of a third crewman was recovered.BBC Scotland: “The Kilda was reported overdue on 13 October and the body of 49-year old Douglas Craigie was recovered the following day.”
SupportedThe fundraiser reached £18,000 after about seven hours.BBC Scotland: “"After about seven hours it had reached £18,000."”
SupportedSearches were paused on 18 October because of adverse weather.BBC Scotland: “Searches were paused on 18 October due to adverse weather conditions”
SupportedHM Coastguard stood down its operations on 15 October pending new information.BBC Scotland: “HM Coastguard stood down its operations on 15 October, pending any new information.”
SupportedAn MAIB exclusion zone is in place between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.BBC Scotland: “An MAIB exclusion zone remains in place for divers and vessels in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.”

Correction

21 October 2026An earlier version of this story's headline quoted the loss as the 'worst tragedy in a generation'. The Western Isles Fishing Association described it as 'one of the worst fishing tragedies in a generation in the Western Isles'.