Senior members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have joined the islands' community in expressing their "pain and shock" after the loss of three men at sea on Tuesday (13 October) – describing the tragedy as "unimaginable" and thanking those that assisted in the search.

Still missing are, Norman “Tam” Murray (40) and Murdo Morrison (23). Despite an extensive search of the area, no trace of either man or the 8-metre-long FV Kilda has been found. The body of a third crewman, Douglas Craigie (49), was recovered from the sea in the early hours of Wednesday (Oct 14). Their fishing vessel was known to have been operating in the vicinity of Port of Ness on Tuesday. 

Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Cllr Duncan Macinnes, Secretary of the Western Isles Fisherman’s Association and Depute Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have added to the many offers of support to the family and friends of the lost men.
 
Cllr Macleod said: “This tragedy has had a huge impact on our community, and we all feel the pain and shock of this unimaginable incident. While the community mourns, we can’t even begin to comprehend what the families and friends of Douglas, Tam and Murdo are going through at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. On behalf of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, I would like to thank all those who contributed to the search effort in challenging conditions.”
 
Cllr Macinnes said: “Our islands and our industry has suffered an unimaginable tragedy. This has been a devastating week for the local fishing community, particularly those who have seen first-hand the hard work, humour and friendship of Douglas, Tam and Murdo. At what is a heartbreaking time for our islands I thank all those who have supported the search effort and those who have provided comfort to the impacted families. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the three men and we pray that Tam and Murdo are found.”