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The search for the crew of a missing fishing boat off a Scottish island has been stood down pending new information.
The Kilda and its crew of Douglas Craigie, 49, Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, was first reported missing to authorities around 9.20pm on October 13 after it vanished somewhere near the Port of Ness off the north coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
Mr Craigie’s body was found at 2.45am on Wednesday, but the bodies of his crewmates remain missing, as does the fishing vessel they were on.
Police Scotland said the three men are local to the island.
The RNLI said it sent its all-weather Lochinver lifeboat out at 9.42pm on Tuesday after the boat failed to return, and Police Scotland were later notified of its disappearance at 11.35pm the same night.
HM Coastguard has previously said an aircraft, two helicopters, six rescue teams and a local vessel were involved in the search.
Police understand the Kilda left the Brevaig area in the west of the island at about 7.30am on Tuesday, before travelling to the Port of Ness area to work.
After an extensive search, HM Coastguard said on Thursday evening that the response has been stood down, pending any new information.
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for Police Scotland in the Western Isles, previously 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.”
He added: “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.”
Mr Craigie was remembered as “one of the most respected and experienced men in the job” by those in the community.
Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said it was a “very dark day” for the Isle of Lewis.
He added that it was “not easy for the teams out searching” amid strong gusts of wind and heavy rain covering much of western Scotland.
Those with information are urged to call 101, quoting reference 3575 of October 13, police have said.
Police Scotland said a police presence remains in the Port of Ness area.
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