Two friends have died while diving for shellfish in the latest tragedy to hit the isle of Barra.
Commercial fisherman Iain MacDougall and his friend were out into the shallow waters at Castlebay, but a local ferry skipper noticed they had not surfaced and raised the alarm after spotting their unmanned boat.
Coastguard helciopter and rescue teams were sent to the scene, and the pair – both 39 – were found by Barra lifeboat crew at about 1pm on Saturday. They both died at the scene.
It is understood the tragedy unfolded just yards from where Mr MacDougall’s parents live.
His friend, who is believed to be married with children, was visiting from the Falkirk area, and trying out shellfish diving.
This is the third tragedy to hit the tiny island with a population of 1,100 people in recent months.
Eilidh Macleod, 14, also from Castlebay, was killed in the Manchester terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert two months ago. Her school friend Laura MacIntyre was severely injured and is still in hospital.
And less than two weeks ago, 32-year-old Ian Johnstone, of Castlebay, was found dead on a beach on Barra.
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said: “Barra has had much more than its fair share of tragedy recently, and this will be a very difficult time indeed for this very close-knit community.
“Obviously, everyone will be thinking not just of the family of the man from Barra, but of the other man’s family.
“This serves again to indicate how dangerous the seas around the Western Isles can be. I am sure the wider Western Isles community will be thinking of both families at this very sad time.”
The ferry skipper raised the alarm Stornoway Coastgaurd at around 11.20am on Saturday.
The coastguard helicopter and rescue teams were sent to the scene and the divers were found by Barra lifeboat crew at around 1pm. They both died at the scene.
Police said the men’s next of kin have been informed.
Area Commander Chief Inspector Gordon MacLeod said: “Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the families and friends of the two men who sadly died, as well as with the close community of Barra.
“I would also like to thank members of the public for their assistance to the emergency services during the search and rescue operation.
“Our inquiries are ongoing although there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstance and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”
A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “Two shellfish divers have been recovered by the RNLI Barra lifeboat after a search in Castlebay, Barra.
“At 11.20am on Saturday Stornoway Coastguard was contacted by a local ferry boat skipper who had noticed two divers go into the water and not resurface, leaving their small boat unmanned.”
