SHETLAND COASTGUARD APPEAL TO PUBLIC AFTER FISHERMAN GOES MISSING

Shetland Coastguard is appealing to the public for further information concerning a missing fisherman and Shetland resident, Neil Smith, and the whereabouts of his vessel prawn trawler ‘Breadwinner WY 367’

The alarm was raised yesterday evening at around when the vessel had not returned to its normal berth in Lerwick harbour after leaving at from Morrison dock.

The Coastguard rescue helicopter from Sumburgh was scrambled to begin a search to Score Head where the vessel was known to have been heading when it left Lerwick.

The weather last night on scene was southwesterly winds of force 5 to 6 with occasional rain, and a moderate sea. Sea temperature at this time of year is about 8 degrees C.

Information was received to suggest that the vessel was a regular visitor to Cunningsburgh and had last been seen in the area yesterday morning.

The local Police have also been involved making inland enquiries.

Electronic broadcasts have been made throughout the night by Shetland Coastguard but so far nothing has been heard from Mr. Smith. An electronic pan pan signal has also been broadcast drawing attention to other sea farers to watch out for the missing craft. Other vessels crews have also radioed in to the Coastguard asking how they can help.

Sandy Wylie, Duty Watch Manager at Shetland Coastguard said

“We have been checking and searching all night and so far no trace of Mr. Smith or his boat has come to light. The 10 metre vessel has dark blue topsides with a square stern, varnished hull, white wheelhouse with a yellow visor, gantry aft with net drum, deck to top of mast is about 10-12ft high

“We are now appealing to the public for any information as to his whereabouts. We know that he occasionally spends periods of time on his boat and has a bunk installed. We have been checking harbours and marinas around the Islands overnight but with no result. Vessels are also checking the south side of the Outer Skerries, Whalsay, North Nesting, Moul of Eswick, Stepping Stones to Whalsay this morning with the Lerwick lifeboat being launched later to join the search. The fisheries patrol aircraft Watchdog 64 and two other fishing vessels ‘Guiding Light’ and ‘Kestrel’ have also joined the search.

If anyone has further information as to his whereabouts could they please phone Shetland Coastguard on 01595 692976.”



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