Family of missing fisherman lose hope
The devastated family of a fisherman who went missing on Monday have given up hope that he will be found alive.
Alasdair Macleod, 57, from the Applecross area in Wester Ross, was reported missing af ter his boat Varuna was found on rocks north of Applecross Bay.
The coastguard, police, RNLI and local volunteers have been searching the area.
Alasdair’s family thanked all those who had taken part in the search. Writing on his blog, they said they have been inundated with messages of support.
The family wrote: “Ali is sti ll missing; the f irst intensive search has been called off and it is clear that there is no chance at all that he will be found alive.
“There is sti l l some off icial and unoff icial searching going on, as and when resources allow.
“We’re all very grateful for all the effort that people have put into this; the police, RNLI and coastguards could not have done a more thorough and professional job.
“We are very moved by the commitment of all the local volunteers who willingly sacrificed their time to search the sea and coastline with the hope of finding any sign of him.
“Thanks to all who have offered support of all kinds, calling in with food and f lowers and warm hugs, finding words to explain what Ali meant to them and to comfort us.
“We have been inundated with messages of support. It has really meant a lot.”