Two die in fishing boat tragedy
9 April 2016
Two people have died after a fishing vessel sank off Barra.
Next of kin are aware and police officers are in contact with the families.
One person is still missing from the shellfish vessel which floundered off the east coast of Mingulay on the southern tip of the Western Isles.
The fourth crew member was airlifted to the Stornoway hospital this morning. He is not seriously injured.
Coastguards received a distress alert just before 3.45am this morning when the boat's emergency position beacon was activated.
Mark Rodaway, National Maritime Operations Commander, for UK coastguard said: “Despite an intensive search including the helicopters, lifeboat and other fishing vessels in the area, we have been unable to locate the missing fisherman. Our thoughts are with all those involved.”
Chief Inspector Alastair Garrow, Police Scotland said: "At this time we can confirm that the bodies of two men have been recovered. A third man was rescued and was taken to hospital at Stornoway. He is not seriously injured.
"A fourth man was on the boat and is still missing.
"The next of kin of all the men have been informed."
"This has been a tragic incident which will impact on the local community. Our thoughts are with the families affected."
An investigation will be carried out in parallel with the police and the Marine Accident and Investigation Branch. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
The Stornoway search and rescue helicopter searched the area with the Prestwick coastguard helicopter later taking over.