One dead and two missing after fishing boat disappears off Scotland

A man's body has been recovered and two more are unaccounted for after a fishing boat went missing off the Outer Hebrides.

HM Coastguard said it was alerted to the missing vessel, which was sailing off Port of Ness on the Isle of Lewis, at about 9.20pm on Tuesday.

Police Scotland said it was notified at about 11.35pm.

The vessel had three men aboard, the force said, and the body of one man was recovered at about 2.45am on Wednesday.

The men's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

In an update on Wednesday afternoon, Police Scotland said extensive searches remain ongoing for the missing men and vessel.

Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said: "We are very aware of the impact that this incident will have on communities across the Outer Hebrides and beyond.

"I would like to reassure people that considerable efforts are ongoing between ourselves and partners to locate the vessel and the two remaining unaccounted for crew members.

"The families of all three men involved are being provided with specialist support as these searches continue."

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said a coastguard plane, two coastguard helicopters, six coastguard rescue teams, two RNLI lifeboats and Police Scotland have been involved in the search.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said its Lochinver all-weather lifeboat was present.

The search comes amid a yellow weather warning for high winds in the region.

The Met Office has issued the alert from 10am to 7pm for parts of the Scottish Highlands and Western Isles, with gusts of up to 70mph expected in places.

Chief Inspector McCartney 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.

"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."

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Councillor Kenneth Macleod, convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council), 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."

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