Tributes to Lewis skipper 'legend' as search stood down for missing crewmates
The skipper who died in the tragedy was a well-regarded member of his community. Two crewmates are still missing.
Tributes have been paid to the “legend” skipper who died after his boat vanished off the Isle of Lewis as the search for his two crewmates was stood down by HM Coastguard.
Douglas Craigie, 49, was killed when the creel boat Kilda ran into difficulty late on Tuesday night off the coast of Port of Ness, with his body found in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
His crewmates Norman Murray, 40 - also known as Tam - and Murdo Morrison, 23, are still unaccounted for.
HM Coastguard announced at 7.30pm on Thursday that its search for the two men and the missing vessel has been stood down “pending any new information”.
Mr Craigie, of Carloway, a father of three, was a highly-regarded member of the community, a former football player for the local club and a senior member of his church.
One friend Kevin Anderson said: “Some folk were just born legends, my skipper you certainly were. So many memories. Thoughts are with all the families in these difficult hours. The sea has no mercy at times.”
Another friend, Ciaran Pack, described Mr Craigie as the “best in the business and more importantly a great guy”.
He added: “It was a pleasure knowing you, thoughts are all with the families in these difficult times, the sea is an unforgiving place, rest easy Douglas, you’ll be missed by all.”
A statement from HM Coastguard said: “After an extensive search, the HM Coastguard response to a fishing vessel reported overdue from Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, has been stood down, pending any new information.
“HM Coastguard received the initial report of concern for the vessel, with three people on board, at around 9.20pm on Tuesday 13 October.
“A range of search and rescue assets were sent in response, including HM Coastguard helicopters and aeroplanes, Coastguard Rescue Teams, lifeboats, and a nearby vessel. Police Scotland was informed.”
Donald MacKinnon, Labour MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, added: “This is a devastating loss for our community and a stark reminder of the risks taken by all those who go to work at sea.”
He described it as a “heartbreaking time” for the island.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Torcuil Crichton referred to the tragedy in House of Commons on Thursday, where he asked for condolences to those affected.
The Labour MP said: “The Western Isles have been struck, this week, by maritime tragedy with the sinking of the fishing vessel Kilda in a Tuesday night storm off the coast of Lewis, with what is feared is the subsequent loss of three souls aboard.
“Can I pay thanks and tribute to the Coastguard officers, the RNLI crews, helicopters, and police officers who are still involved in the search for two of these missing men.
“These winds and events like this cut deeply into our communities and leave wounds of grief.
“Can I ask the leader of the House to join me in expressing deep condolences to the families and communities affected, and to all the other families and fishers who touch that razor edge of the deep every day, and for our good go down to the sea in ships.”
It is understood the three were working in a replacement creel boat - the Kilda - with their regular boat, the Carlsbay, in for repairs at the time of the tragedy.
Rescuers, who have been faced with challenging conditions, earlier urged locals not to go out looking for the missing men.
Chief Inspector Ross McCartney, local area commander for the Western Isles, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
“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.”
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