Specialist search teams investigating the disappearance of a fishing vessel off the Isle of Lewis have recovered items belonging to the boat, marking a significant development in the continuing search for two missing fishermen.
Police Scotland confirmed on Thursday 22 October that officers from its Marine and Dive Unit, working alongside partner agencies, had recovered items from the Kilda while investigating an area of interest off Port of Ness.
Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing following the disappearance of the fishing vessel on Tuesday 13 October.
Their fellow crew member, Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the sea at approximately 2.45am on Wednesday 14 October.
The latest discovery comes after specialist teams resumed underwater investigations earlier this week, having previously been prevented from examining the area because of difficult sea conditions.
Police have not disclosed the nature of the recovered items or confirmed whether the vessel itself has been located.
The operation has now reached another stage, with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch confirming that the exclusion zone covering divers and vessels between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness will be lifted at 11.59pm on Thursday.
The restriction had been introduced to allow specialist teams to investigate the area while protecting the safety of those involved.
Although the exclusion zone is being removed, Police Scotland has emphasised that enquiries remain ongoing and the two missing men have not been found.
Inspector Neil Taylor, local area Inspector for the Western Isles, said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“Efforts are continuing to work with partners and we are doing everything we can to get answers.
“We would again reiterate that this is a complex operation and we would ask that officers and specialists are given the time and space to carry out their enquiries.
“While the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) exclusion zone will be lifted tonight, we 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.”
The disappearance of the Kilda has deeply affected communities across Lewis, particularly around the Port of Ness, where fishing has been part of local life for generations.
A community fundraising appeal organised by the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association has also attracted substantial support for the families affected by the tragedy.
Despite the recovery of items from the vessel, the authorities have not announced any further findings about what happened to the boat or its crew.
Police continue to ask members of the public not to undertake their own searches in potentially dangerous coastal or marine conditions.
The families of Norman Murray, Murdo Morrison and Douglas Craigie have also requested that their privacy be respected.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 3575 of 13 October 2026.
For the families awaiting news, the search continues as specialist officers work to establish what happened to the Kilda and locate the two men who remain missing.
