Fisherman found dead is named as hunt continues for his two crewmates after vessel went missing off Outer Hebrides

A fisherman found dead after his vessel went missing off the Outer Hebrides in Scotland has been named by police.

The body of 49-year-old Douglas Craigie was recovered following a report of the missing boat off the coast of the Isle of Lewis. 

The father was part of the crew of the fishing boat Kilda last known to have been operating close to the Port of Ness in the north of the island.

His two crewmates, 40-year-old Norman Murray, who is known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain unaccounted for and are being treated as missing.

All three men are local to the Isle of Lewis – Mr Craigie was from Carloway, Mr Murray from Ness and Mr Morrison from Barvas.

The alarm was raised and police called at 11.35pm on Tuesday after the boat failed to return to harbour. It has not yet been recovered and searches are ongoing.

The body of Mr Craigie was recovered in the area around 2.45am yesterday.

It is believed that Kilda sailed from Brevaig on the west coast of Lewis around 7.30am on Tuesday before travelling to the Port of Ness area.

Two crewmates, 40-year-old Norman Murray, who is known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison (pictured), 23, remain unaccounted for and are being treated as missing

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the alarm was first raised around 9.20pm after the boat failed to reach its destination, while the RNLI said Stornoway's all-weather lifeboat was launched at 9.42pm.

HM Coastguard previously said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams and a local vessel were also involved in the search. 

The men are thought to have been on a creel boat that typically fishes for shellfish, such as crabs and lobsters.

The Met Office said a yellow warning had been issued for the region amid gusts reaching up to 70mph in parts of the Highlands and Western Isles.

Strong winds, heavy rain and warm air are on the way as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias, which hit the southern US on Saturday, reaches the UK.

As search efforts continue, Police Scotland warned people not to put themselves at risk in the 'very challenging' conditions by mounting searches themselves. 

Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said: 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

'The families of all three men involved are being provided with specialist support as our searches continue. We would ask that the privacy of the families of all three men are respected at this difficult time.

'We are working closely with the HM Coastguard and RNLI to search for the vessel and the two missing men

'We know that the local community will be keen to help in any way they can. However, conditions are very challenging and I 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.

'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 will remain 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.'

Western Isles Convener Kenny Macleod said: 'It is a very dark day for the communities affected by this tragedy.

'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.'

First Minister John Swinney also paid his respects, and said: 'This is deeply distressing news.

'My heart goes out to the families of the three fishermen in Ness, and the communities on the Isle of Lewis.'

A spokesman for HM Coastguard said it 'received a report at around 9.20pm on Tuesday, of a fishing vessel with three people on board overdue from Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides. 

'A range of search and rescue assets have been sent in response, including HM Coastguard helicopters and aeroplanes, Coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats, and a nearby vessel.'