A major search for a missing Applecross fisherman has been called off, three days after his empty boat was found on rocks.
Emergency services made the decision to end the search for 57-year-old Alasdair Macleod yesterday morning.
A large scale effort involved the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Stornoway, seven rescue teams from across the Highlands, two RNLI lifeboats, and several local fishing vessels.
Kaimes Beasley, Duty Controller for HM Coastguard, said: “Following an extensive search over a number of days, we have been unable to locate the missing fisherman. The decision has been made to terminate the search pending further information. Our thoughts are with all those involved.”
The well-known prawn fisherman has been missing since Monday afternoon after his vessel, the Varuna, was found on the rocks south of Applecross with its engine running.
The fisherman was a well-known member of the community and served as chairman of his local community council.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has started an investigation into the grounding of the vessel. Mr Macleod is believed to have been working alone when he disappeared.
