The results of the official probe into the worst fishing disaster off the Western Isles in half-a-century are finally being shared with those involved – almost a year after the tragedy.
The Marine Accidents Investigation Branch (MAIB) confirmed that the official report into why the Louisa sank off Mingulay on a calm night has now gone out to consultation.
The results are to be made public within 30 days – unless there are objections to the conclusions that have been reached.
Families of the three men who lost their lives in the disaster are among those being consulted.
The tragedy is likely to have far reaching consequences for the fleet of small inshore fishing boats that work around Scotland.
The Louisa was lifted from the sea bed in a bid to help find out what caused the crabber to sink on April 9.
It was then taken by barge to Glasgow where it has been examined by a team of experts.
A spokesman for the MAIB said: “Formal consultation with interested parties started last week and will last for 30 days. The date of publication will depend on the detail of the comments we receive. Given the formal consultation, we are not planning on publishing an interim report.
“The aim of our investigation is to establish why the fishing vessel Louisa sank and why lives were lost.”
The bodies of Chris Morrison, 27, from Harris, and Martin Johnstone, 29, from Halkirk, Caithness, were recovered following the tragedy.
Skipper Paul Alliston, 42, from Lewis, has never been found.
Only crewman Lachlann Armstrong, 27, from Stornoway survived after swimming ashore.
He has previously suggested that the Louisa’s life raft would not inflate when the men attempted to abandon the ship.
The boat was owned by Lewis brothers Duncan and Murdo Kennedy and built by C Toms & Son in Cornwall.
Boatyard owner Allen Toms said: “It must be hellish for the families involved and the community. We also feel it. She was a very good boat, and she had had a couple of refits. We were very proud of her – she was one of our prides. The Kennedy brothers were also very good to work with – they were very hands on.”
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said: “In a community the size of the Western Isles the loss of any fishing boat leaves a deep and lasting impression.
“I know that when the boat went down it was felt across the Western Isles.
“In a community dependent on fishing, understandably people will want to read the report and understand what happened.”