Missing crew search suspended

January 4, 2015 at 5:37 pm

Longhope lifeboat during the search this afternoon. ( Picture Mary Harris) — Longhope lifeboat during the search this afternoon. (Picture Mary Harris)

The search for eight crew missing from the cement carrier, Cemfjord which capsized and sank in the Pentland Firth has been suspended this evening, with no sign found of the missing crew.

The lifeboats completed their search areas earlier this afternoon and returned to shore. The helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, fixed wing aircraft and HMS Somerset continued to search but sadly, by last light this evening nothing was found.

The families of the missing crew have been notified. The Coastguard will continue to broadcast messages to all shipping requesting that they are informed about any information or sightings that could be related to the vessel.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed and is about to begin work on the investigation.