Emergency responders are continuing an intensive search off the coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides for two missing fishermen and their vessel. The three-person fishing boat was reported overdue on Tuesday night after disappearing near the village of Port of Ness.
Police Scotland confirmed that the body of one fisherman was recovered from the water at 2.45am on Wednesday. Formal identification has not yet taken place. The families of all three crew members have been notified and are receiving specialist support from police officers.
Massive Multi-Agency Search Operation Underway
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for Police Scotland in the Western Isles, detailed the scale of the ongoing emergency response. HM Coastguard deployed a fixed-wing aircraft, two rescue helicopters, six coastal rescue teams, and a local vessel to sweep the area. Additionally, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) launched all-weather lifeboats, including the Lochinver lifeboat and Stornoway’s all-weather lifeboat, which was first sent out at 9.42pm on Tuesday.
Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid taking matters into their own hands due to extremely hazardous conditions. Strong gusts of wind reaching up to 70mph and heavy rain have severely hampered rescue efforts under active yellow weather warnings.
“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.”
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, Police Scotland
Community Impact and Warnings
Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council), expressed deep sorrow following the incident.
“It is a very dark day for the communities affected by this tragedy,” Councillor Macleod said. “We can’t even begin to comprehend what the families of the three fishermen are going through at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. It is not easy for the teams out searching, with very strong gusts of wind and heavy rain. We are very grateful for all those out searching in very challenging weather conditions.”
Police have asked anyone with relevant information regarding the missing vessel to contact authorities on 101, referencing incident number 3575 of October 13, while a local police presence remains maintained around Port of Ness.
