Life raft from missing fishing boat Kilda found off Shetland as search for two crew continues
The raft washed up at West Burrafirth on Thursday. Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing after the boat was lost off Lewis last month.
The pier at West Burrafirth in Shetland, where a life raft from the Kilda washed up. · Photograph: Tom Pennington (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A life raft belonging to the missing fishing boat Kilda has been recovered off the coast of Shetland, more than three weeks after the vessel was lost.
The raft was found after washing up at West Burrafirth on Thursday.
Searches are continuing for Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, as well as for the boat itself.
Lost off Lewis
The Kilda was last known to have been operating close to the Port of Ness in the north of the Isle of Lewis on October 13.
The body of Douglas Craigie, who was also on board, was recovered in the area at around 2.45am on Wednesday, October 14.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is continuing its preliminary assessment into the loss of the boat.
"Doing all we can"
Inspector Neil Taylor of Police Scotland said: "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident."
"The life raft has been confirmed as belonging to the Kilda, and we will continue to work with partners, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, as well as local maritime organisations."
"Please be assured we are doing all we can, and we are grateful for the support of all of our partners."
Families ask for privacy
The families of all three men continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.
The loss of the Kilda has been felt deeply in island communities, where fishing remains a vital part of local life and families have long lived with the risks the industry carries.