SEARCH FOR MISSING FISHERMAN STOOD DOWN IN HOURS OF DARKNESS



The search for missing fisherman Neil Smith has currently been stood down and will be reassessed at first light Saturday morning by Shetland Coastguard.

Fisherman, Neil Smith was reported missing Thursday evening.  He had not returned to his normal berth in Lerwick harbour, aboard his prawn trawler ‘Breadwinner’ WY367.

Alex Wylie, Duty Watch Manager at Shetland Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:

"During an extensive search the vessel was located semi submerged and badly damaged on the rocks at this morning. Unfortunately, no sign of the single occupant could be found. The search has been ongoing all day. 

Units involved were:

Coastguard Rescue helicopter ‘OC’; BP’s Jigsaw Helicopter ‘Bond II’; Marine Scotland Flight ‘Watchdog 65’ (fixed wing aircraft); Lerwick RNLI all weather lifeboat and two fishing vessels, the ‘Kestrel’ and ‘Guiding Light.’

The search was stood down at due to darkness. Search routines are being reassessed and recomputed for an at sea search commencing at first light tomorrow morning (Saturday).

We would like to remind fishermen how important it is to always wear a personal flotation device on deck.”

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