A marine exclusion zone for divers has been established off the northern coast of Lewis as specialist police teams prepare to join the continuing search for two missing fishermen and their vessel.
Police Scotland confirmed on Friday 16 October that officers from its Dive and Marine Unit will carry out searches early next week in the area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.
Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing following the disappearance of the fishing vessel Kilda on Tuesday 13 October.
Their crewmate, Douglas Craigie, was recovered from the sea at approximately 2.45am on Wednesday 14 October.
All three men are from the Isle of Lewis, where the incident has brought considerable sadness and concern to communities across the island.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has now established an exclusion zone for divers covering part of the area where search operations have been taking place.
The restriction applies specifically to diving activity, and Police Scotland has confirmed that other vessels can continue operating within the designated area.
The exclusion zone comes as preparations are made for specialist underwater searches intended to help locate the two missing men and the fishing vessel.
Kilda is believed to have left Brevaig on the west coast of Lewis at approximately 7.30am on Tuesday, heading towards the Port of Ness area to work.
The vessel was reported overdue after failing to return that evening, with police receiving the report at around 11.35pm.
An extensive operation involving HM Coastguard, the RNLI and Police Scotland was subsequently launched.
Despite those efforts, Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison remain unaccounted for and are being treated as missing people.
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said:
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“We have a team of officers dedicated to this operation who are carrying out extensive work to trace the two men who remain unaccounted for.
“We will also be utilising officers from our Dive and Marine Unit early next week.
“We would continue to ask that the privacy of the families are respected at this difficult time.
“MAIB have put an exclusion zone in place for divers in the area where searches have been carried out.
“However, vessels can still operate in this area.
“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.
“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 continues 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 latest development marks another stage in the search operation, with specialist underwater resources now being brought into the continuing efforts.
Police have again urged members of the public not to undertake their own searches in potentially dangerous coastal or marine conditions.
Officers remain in the Port of Ness area and continue to appeal for information that could help establish the whereabouts of the missing men and their vessel.
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 3575 of 13 October 2026.
