A north fisherman was last night missing presumed dead after falling overboard in rough seas.
The 25-year-old – named locally as Craig Reid – was lost off the Apollo about 20 miles north-west of Kirkwall.
A major search was mounted in the waters around Orkney involving two coastguard helicopters and international military jets diverted from the Exercise Joint Warrior war games taking place in the north.
Last night, the coastguard said the search was “completed” after talking to the crew of the Inverness-registered Apollo.
Police confirmed that a joint probe into the incident would be carried out, along with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
They added that the family of Mr Reid, from the Black Isle, had been informed.
It is the second time tragedy has struck the Apollo.
In September 2007, 26-year-old William Reid died after falling from the trawler into the North Sea.
The boat’s crew put out a mayday distress call around 7am yesterday reporting that they had a man overboard.
A search was immediately launched, with the rescue helicopters from Sumburgh and Stornoway heading for the scene.
The Stromness lifeboat was also launched but was stood down after encountering “heavy breaking seas” in the Hoy Sound and westerly force seven to eight winds.
The search also involved two military jets, a French Dassault Falcon and a US P8 Poseidon.
However, it was stood down at 3pm.
UK Coastguard duty controller, Angus MacIver, said: “Despite an intensive air and sea search involving the fishing vessel and aircraft rescue resources from Scotland and international military agencies, the missing man has not been located.
“The fishing vessel is returning to harbour and our deepest sympathies are with the family and remaining crew.”
A spokesman for the Royal Navy said: “Two aircraft, involved in the ongoing Joint Warrior exercise, were re-tasked to the area to join the search for the missing man from the fishing vessel Apollo.
“A DA 20, owned by Cobham Aviation Services, has been taking part in the search this morning after being diverted from the Joint Warrior exercise.
“Additionally a US Navy P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flew from RAF Lossiemouth after being immediately re-tasked to join the search.”
Mr Reid’s family in Munlochy were unavailable to speak yesterday.
It is understood that the boat has been operating out of Peterhead.
Black Isle councillor Craig Fraser said: “Any fisherman lost overboard is one too many.
“They deliver such an amazing service in very difficult conditions.
“My thoughts are with the family.”
William Reid died after falling off the Apollo about 100 miles north-east of Aberdeen, despite being dragged back on board by his father, also William Reid, the boat’s skipper.
Last night a police spokeswoman said: “At around 10.30am this morning Police Scotland were made aware that a crew member of a fishing boat which was operating 20 miles north-west of Kirkwall had been lost overboard.
“A search of the area was carried out by Shetland Coastguard helicopter and the crew members on board the fishing vessel, however this was called off at 3pm and sadly the fisherman is still missing.
“A joint investigation will be carried out between Police Scotland and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and next of kin have been made aware.”