Rescuers face ‘challenging’ conditions in search for missing fishermen

The body of a man was recovered in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday) with two others and their creel boat still unaccounted for after they failed to return to Port of Ness in the north of the island last night.

Police have urged islanders not to embark on their own searches for the missing men as weather conditions deteriorate, with strong winds and heavy rain sweeping in.

HM Coastguard received a call around 9.20pm on Tuesday that the boat had not returned as expected, with Police Scotland later informed of the missing vessel.

It is understood that the three men were not working in their usual boat, which was in for repairs, at the time of the tragedy.

As the extent of the tragedy started to unfold, one resident of Ness told The Scotsman: “Everyone is just in shock here and this will be felt, very felt, for a long time to come. These were very well-known guys”.

Extensive searches involving HM Coastguard, RNLI and police are ongoing in the area.

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 13 October.

“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.”

The body of one of the crew was recovered around 2.45am.

Formal identification has not yet taken place.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard received a report at around 21:20 on Tuesday 13 October of a fishing vessel with three people on board that was overdue from Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides.

“A coastguard aeroplane, two coastguard helicopters, six coastguard rescue teams, two RNLI lifeboats, a local vessel and Police Scotland have been involved in the search.”

Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council), told BBC Radio Scotland’s Lunchtime Live show on Wednesday it marked a “dark day” for the local community.

He said: “It is very, very sad news. It’s a very dark day for the community of Ness and the community of Lewis in general, after news emerged about this tragedy that happened last night.

“The vessel going missing, and three fishermen missing, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family affected.

“As I said, it’s a dark day; it’s even darker for the families affected, and we can’t even begin to comprehend what the families of the three fishermen are going through at the moment.”