Search sites examined off Lewis find no trace of missing fishing boat Kilda
Two sites east of the Butt of Lewis identified by the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel Pharos have been checked with specialist equipment. The maritime exclusion zone has been lifted.
The Butt of Lewis lighthouse. Two sites to the east were examined in the search for the Kilda. · Photograph: John Allan (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The examination of two sites identified in the search for the missing fishing vessel Kilda off the Isle of Lewis has been completed, with nothing found.
The sites, east of the Butt of Lewis, were identified by the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel NLV Pharos.
They have now been thoroughly examined using specialist equipment provided by salmon farming company MOWI, working with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
Nothing relating to the Kilda was identified, and a maritime exclusion zone in the area has now been lifted.
Search continues
The MAIB's preliminary assessment into the loss of the Kilda is continuing.
Inspector Neil Taylor said: "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident."
"We continue to work with partners, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local maritime experts to locate the Kilda and the two missing men."
Background
The Kilda was last known to be operating close to the Port of Ness in the north of Lewis on October 13. The body of crewman Douglas Craigie was recovered the following day.
Norman Murray, 40, known as Tam, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing.
Last week, a life raft belonging to the Kilda washed up at West Burrafirth in Shetland.
The families of the men have asked for their privacy to be respected.