Two sites have been identified for further investigation in the ongoing search for two missing fishermen and their vessel which disappeared off the Isle of Lewis more than a fortnight ago.

The sites were identified following a survey by a specialist vessel in an area east of the Butt of Lewis, at the north of the island, over the weekend.

This was carried out as part of the ongoing search for fishing vessel Kilda and Norman “Tam” Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23.

They went missing on Tuesday October 13 off the coast of the Port of Ness on the Isle of Lewis.

The body of crewmate Douglas Craigie, 49, was found on Wednesday October 14.

Douglas Craigie (left) Norman Murray (centre) and Murdo Morrison
Fishermen Douglas Craigie, whose body was recovered from the sea, left, with Norman Murray, centre, and Murdo Morrison who remain missing (Family Handout/PA)

The Northern Lighthouse Board vessel NLV Pharos was deployed to assist with the search on Friday and carried out the survey over the course of the weekend.

Police Scotland said further work to assess the sites will now be carried out as part of an investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

An exclusion zone has been put in place around the sites to allow them to be investigated.

This prohibits anchoring in the vicinity unless in an emergency, as well as fishing by nets, trawls or lines in the vicinity, and any unsanctioned diving operations.

Inspector Neil Taylor said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“It is imperative we get answers for everyone involved and please be assured our efforts are continuing.

“We are grateful for the specialist work of NLV Pharos over the past weekend to progress the search and investigation.

“We continue to work with partners, including the MAIB, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local maritime experts.

Please do not attempt to carry out searches in areas which put you at risk of harm

Inspector Neil Taylor

“We 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.”

A number of items belonging to the crew were previously recovered by rescuers searching for the missing men.

A GoFundMe, which has raised more than £250,000 for the families of the men, can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/raise-funds-for-the-families-affected-by-the-kilda-tragedy.

The families continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.

Anybody with any concerns, or information, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 3575 of October 13.