Specialist searches are continuing off the Isle of Lewis for two missing fishermen and their vessel Kilda, as a community fundraising appeal for the families affected by the tragedy approaches £65,000.

Police Scotland confirmed that underwater search operations resumed on Wednesday 21 October, with officers from its Marine and Dive Unit working alongside partner agencies to investigate an area of interest near Port of Ness.

Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing more than a week after their fishing vessel disappeared off the northern coast of Lewis.

Their fellow crew member, Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the sea at approximately 2.45am on Wednesday 14 October.

All three men are from Lewis, where their disappearance has brought considerable sadness to communities across the island.

The Kilda is believed to have sailed from Brevaig at around 7.30am on Tuesday 13 October before heading towards the Port of Ness area to fish.

The vessel failed to return that evening, prompting an extensive search involving emergency services and maritime agencies.

Last weekend, investigators identified an area of interest off the coast of the Ness, but attempts to examine it on Sunday were frustrated by difficult sea conditions and problems anchoring equipment needed to deploy a remotely operated underwater vehicle.

Those difficulties forced a temporary suspension of the operation until conditions allowed specialist teams to return.

Police have not confirmed what was identified in the area or whether it is connected to the missing vessel.

Inspector Neil Taylor, local area Inspector for the Western Isles, said:

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

“We understand how distressing this must be for all involved and I want to assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to get answers for those affected.

“This is a complex operation and we would ask that officers and specialists are given the time and space to carry out their enquiries.

“The families continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.”

Meanwhile, the response from communities across Lewis has demonstrated the strength of support for the families.

A fundraising appeal organised by the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association had raised almost £65,000 by Wednesday, with donations intended to provide assistance to those affected.

The association has described the tragedy as one of the worst to affect the island’s fishing community in a generation.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch exclusion zone remains in place for divers and vessels in an area between the Butt of Lewis and Port of Ness.

Inspector Taylor added:

“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.

“If you believe you may have any information which could assist emergency services then please call 101 quoting reference 3575 of 13 October.

“Officers remain in the Port of Ness area and if you have any concerns or information then I would urge you to speak to them.”

As of Thursday morning, no further recovery of the missing men or their vessel has been publicly confirmed.

The investigation remains ongoing, with specialist teams working to establish what happened to the Kilda and its crew.