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RNLI and Coastguard searching for missing fishermen
The 'Tom Anderson' was mobilised on Oct 13, 2026, at 9.42 p.m., after the fishing vessel 'Kilda' vanished off Port Ness in North-Lewis. The search, involving coastguard air and ground assets, was joined by Lochinver RNLI's all-weather lifeboat a short time later and continued into the morning. It was believed the fishermen had sailed from Brevaig in Lewis on Oct 13 at about 07:30 a.m., before travelling to the Port of Ness area to fish. On Oct 14 at 02.45 a.m. the body of Douglas Craigie, 49, has been found in the search for the three men who were onboard the fishing boat that been overdue from Lewis. The crew-mates, Norman Murray, 40, and the 23-year-old Murdo Morrison, all from Lewis, were still missing. The search was suspended at nightfall, before being resumed on Oct 15. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) deployed aircraft and Coastguard teams were involved. The police have confirmed on OCt 17, that an area of interest has been identified, and specialist officers wer working with partners to investigate it. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have put an exclusion zone in place for divers in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness. Vessels could still operate in the area. A plane, two helicopters, two lifeboats and volunteers searched off the Port of Ness. Police have warned the public not to make their own searches due to bad weather. The sea conditions and anchoring challenges affected the deployment of a rROV, which would have helped the search, on Oct 18. The families of the three men were being provided with specialist support. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) was aware of the incident and has deployed a team of inspectors to conduct a preliminary assessment into the loss of the UK registered fishing vessel. A decision on whether an investigation would be carried out will be taken once the evidence gathered during the preliminary assessment has been reviewed. A weather system containing the remnants of Hurricane Isaias sent gales, heavy rain and a surge of warm air to parts of the UK. A Met Office yellow warning was issued for parts of the Highlands and Western Isles with the risk of gusts touching 70mph in places.
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