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Specialist ship to join search for missing fishermen and boat

News imageNorthern Lighthouse Board NLV Pharos is large ship with white and dark blue hull. It has a heli deck with a small helicopter on it.Northern Lighthouse Board
The NLV Pharos has hydrographic and wreck survey equipment

A specialist ship is to be used in the search for two missing fishermen and their boat off the coast of Lewis.

Norman "Tam" Murray, 40 and Murdo Morrison, 23, were on board the Kilda when it disappeared on 13 October.

The body of crewmate Douglas Craigie, 49, was recovered from the sea in the early hours of the following morning by rescuers.

Police Scotland said Northern Lighthouse Board's ship, NLV Pharos, was being brought it. The vessel has hydrographic and wreck survey equipment.

News imagePolice Scotland The men are pictured in a composite image.Police Scotland
Douglas Craigie, Murdo Morrison and Norman Murray had been fishing off the north coast of Lewis

Items belonging to the fishing boat were recovered during the search last week.

Insp Neil Taylor said the effort would continue with help from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and local maritime experts.

He said: "It is imperative we get answers for everyone involved and please be assured our efforts are continuing.

"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."

Phil Day, director of operations with the Northern Lighthouse Board, said: "Pharos is equipped with hydrographic and wreck survey equipment and will assist MAIB and local efforts, supported by the MCA, to try and locate the fishing vessel Kilda.

"Our thoughts remain with the families and all those affected by this tragic incident."