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Flotilla takes to the water to search for missing fisherman

MFV Louisa
MFV Louisa

A flotilla of boats and dozens of volunteers on foot joined the search for the missing skipper of a crab boat which sank off the Western Isles.

The skipper of MFV Louisa Paul Alliston, 42, remains unaccounted for after the boat sank off the coast of Mingulay last weekend.

Fishermen Martin Johnstone, 29, from Caithness and Chris Morrison, 27, from Stornoway died in the tragedy, while fourth crewman Lachlann Armstrong, 27, managed to swim to safety.

On a visit to the Highlands yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her thoughts are with the families of those affected.

She said: “These situations and tragedies are absolutely heart-breaking.

“Communities like the Western Isles live with these risks and realities all the time, but it doesn’t make it any easier when something like this happens.

“My heart goes out to the people involved and their families.”

Yesterday a major search operation involving Barra lifeboat and about 30 local fishing boats and privately owned vessels took to the water around Mingulay and Barra to try and find the missing Lewis fisherman.

About 130 volunteers also carried out a land-based coastline search around Sandray, Berneray and Pabbay, co-ordinated by police and the coastguard.

Among those involved in the search was Louisa’s owners Duncan and Murdo Kennedy.

Despite the effort, nothing significant was found during the search.

Funeral details were released yesterday for Mr Johnstone and Mr Morrison .

The funeral for father of two Mr Morrison will be held at the Church of Scotland at Scarista on Harris and he will be buried near the sea at Borve Cemetery.

A collection will be held in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission and a service will also be held tonight at Scarista Church at 9pm.

A fundraising effort to collect money for Mr Morrison’s two daughters had exceeded £11,000 as of last night.

The funeral service of Mr Johnstone from Halkirk will be held in the St Peter’s and St. Andrew’s church in Thurso on Wednesday next week.

Police and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch are carrying out a joint investigation into the incident and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.