A Thurso fisherman died at sea just north of Cape Wrath.
The man, named locally as 26-year-old Mark Elder, had apparently fallen overboard in rough seas from the North Star fishing boat.
Fellow crew members hauled him back on board but were unable to resuscitate him and a distress signal was sent to the coastguard.
A coastguard spokeswoman said: “The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Stornoway was immediately sent to the location
“But due to the very poor weather conditions and rough sea state, the man was unable to be winched on board.”
The vessel then made its way directly back to Scrabster Harbour, eventually arriving in port there shortly after 3am but the man was confirmed dead.
Police Scotland and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said a probe had been launched into the incident.
Detective Inspector Scott Macdonald said: “A report will go to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”
A police spokesman added that next of kin have been informed and that all other crew members were safe and uninjured.
An MAIB spokesperson said: “The MAIB has sent inspectors to investigate the fatal accident to a crew member on board FV North Star WK673.”
Tributes have been pouring in from friends and family.
Donald Mcphee wrote on social media: “So many memories of us together brother! I love you so much and I’m going to miss you ever single day!”
Mr McPhee wrote: “12 years and you were always there for me no matter where I was, so many plans unfinished, this world ain’t going to be the same without you.”