Search still on for fishermen after boat capsizes in storm
Families prepare for the worst as rescue teams begin recovery operation
EFFORTS to trace the bodies of two fishermen missing after their tiny boat capsized may continue for several days, police have revealed.
The other man on the boat was found within 30 minutes of the search beginning, but efforts to save his life were in vain.
The three friends set off in the 10ft-boat off the coast of Fife in calm conditions on Monday afternoon, but the weather suddenly changed due to torrential rain.
Birrell Stewart, 30, Jason Buchan, 35, and David Stead, 47, had taken the vessel out on the Firth of Forth from East Wemyss Angling Club.
One angler from the club said the waters had been flat as “a pancake” before the downpour created choppy conditions forcing him to come in.
A multi-agency operation was launched to trace the three men, which resulted in Mr Stewart being found and airlifted from the water.
Although he was flown by helicopter to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, attempts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead.
His friends have yet to be found but search and rescue teams are still scouring the area. Police confirmed the effort has now become a search and recovery operation to find their bodies.
Dozens of onlookers visited the shore throughout the day as they watched coastguard personnel searching by the water.
Police said efforts to trace the remaining men will carry on in the forthcoming days. A spokesman said the families of all three men have asked for privacy at this time as they come to terms with their loss.
Chief Inspector Adrian Annandale, the Area Commander for Levenmouth, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Birrell’s friends and family at this time.
“We are continuing to look for both Jason Buchan and David Stead and our co-ordinated search activity will continue in the forthcoming days.
“Sadly, given the time that has passed since the incident was reported, we have now moved to a search and recovery operation.
“Anyone with information who may assist with our inquiries is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
He said he could not confirm whether the man found was wearing a lifejacket.
He said: “Tragically, three local fishermen from the East Wemyss area were reported as being in trouble at the Firth of Forth.
“Coastguard were contacted and a multi-agency rescue operation was launched between coastguard, lifeboat personnel and Police Scotland.
“A 30-year-old male from the East Wemyss area was rescued from the sea, but sadly was pronounced dead at Ninewells Hospital and the search continues for the two other men.”
Chief Inspector Annandale thanked the community for their efforts after the initial alarm was raised by someone from the shore.
He added: “We are working with the families of the missing people and obviously give thanks to the lifeboat and coastguard personnel.
“Conditions, I believe, changed as the afternoon wore on which raised concerns from the local fishing community.
“My thoughts are with the friends and family of all of the fisherman, and with the local community at this time.”
Mark Rodaway, a national maritime operations manager with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said the weather was moderate at the time of the incident. He said there were fresh breezes but not gale-force gusts of wind.
Kinghorn lifeboat helm Leanne Fisher added: “It’s a very sad situation for all involved, our thoughts are with the friends and family.
“The search was made difficult by the choppy conditions.”
Flags at the angling club were lowered to half-mast. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
‘‘ Conditions changed as the afternoon wore on, which raised concerns from the community