A life raft belonging to the missing fishing vessel Kilda has been recovered off the coast of Shetland, bringing a significant new development in the search for two fishermen who remain unaccounted for.

Police Scotland confirmed that the raft washed ashore at West Burrafirth on Thursday 5 November 2026 and has been positively identified as belonging to the vessel.

The discovery comes more than three weeks after the Kilda disappeared while operating close to the Port of Ness in the north of the Isle of Lewis on Tuesday 13 October.

Two members of the crew, Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing.

Their fellow crewman Douglas Craigie was recovered from the sea at approximately 2.45am on Wednesday 14 October.

The discovery of the life raft follows an extensive search involving Police Scotland, maritime specialists and other agencies working to establish what happened to the fishing vessel and its crew.

Earlier examinations of two sites east of the Butt of Lewis, identified by the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel NLV Pharos, found nothing connected to the Kilda.

Those locations were thoroughly investigated using specialist equipment provided by MOWI, working with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

With neither site producing evidence of the missing vessel, the recovery of the life raft represents an important new piece of information for investigators.

However, police have not confirmed whether its discovery provides any indication of the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s disappearance or the whereabouts of the two missing men.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is continuing its preliminary assessment into the loss of the Kilda.

Inspector Neil Taylor said:

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“The life raft has been confirmed as belonging to the Kilda and we will continue to work with partners, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, as well as local maritime experts, to locate the vessel and the two missing men.

“Please be assured we are doing all we can and we are grateful for the support of all of our partners.”

The disappearance has cast a shadow over the fishing community in the Western Isles, where families and friends continue to wait for answers about the fate of the vessel and those aboard.

The recovery off Shetland is the latest development in an investigation that has already involved specialist searches at sea and the examination of potential locations where the Kilda might have been found.

For the families of Tam Murray and Murdo Morrison, the uncertainty remains, with both men continuing to be treated as missing people.

The families of all three crewmen have asked 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.