Tributes pour in for tragic fisherman

TRIBUTES have been paid to a shellfish fisherman who died after the boat he and son were in capsized.

Willie Sutherland, 51, from Brora, in the Highlands, was airlifted to hospital on Monday but sadly died a short time later.

His son, Liam, 23, also from Brora, managed to make his way to shore and was released after being checked over on scene.

The alarm was raised at about 3.50pm on Monday at Brora Harbour.

The pair of lobster fishermen were off the mouth of the River Brora, said coastguards.

On Liam’s Facebook page, people paid tribute to his father. Ben Mackay wrote: “Willie was loved by everyone who met him, always had time for everybody, thinking of you and your family, Liam Sutherland.”

Joan Macrae Macdonald said: “Sending the Sutherland family deepest condolences on the tragic passing of my nephew Willie.”

Martin Black added: “I’m so sorry mate – I only had the pleasure of knowing your dad for a short time but he was a truly lovely guy who really made me feel welcome.”

David Sutherland Halstead said: “Willie was a really lovely and genuine guy who was well loved by all who knew him. It is a tragic loss and we are all shattered. Love to you and all the family at this difficult time.”

Alison Sutherland said: “Utterly devastated for you all. So sad. Your dad was an amazing man, a true gentleman and loved by this whole village xx It’d break anyone’s heart, this news.”

And David Gunn added: “Very sad, Liam. Was one of the best, always left a bag of crab toes on my back door and a very good Brora Rangers supporter like yourself. Thinking of you all.”

A spokesman for Aberdeen Coastguard, which co-ordinated the rescue, said college student Liam – a former pupil of Golspie High School – managed to make his own way ashore.

But the father was picked up from the water by another creel boat.

He was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

But a police spokeswoman confirmed he died that night.

She added: “The man’s next of kin have been informed and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

The coastguard said it had received a 999 call asking to assist the capsized vessel outside Brora.

Dornoch and Wick Coastguard rescue teams were sent as well as the independent Dornoch inshore lifeboat.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched a probe.