Fisherman who died in loch tragedy named

Tragedyy: Tributes to popular family man who took ill in boat

A fisherman who died in a Western Isles sea loch has been named locally as a popular 57-year-old experienced creelman.

Michael Monk, from Benbecula, is believed to have become unwell while out fishing on Loch Carnan on South Uist.

It is understood Mr Monk’s boat had run aground on some rocks, and was seen by a passing scallop-diving boat.

That boat’s crew made a mayday call via VHF radio to HM Coastguard shortly before 1pm on Wednesday, reporting a man in difficulty in the water at Loch Carnan.

Emergency services were called, but the body of Mr Monk was recovered soon afterwards from the loch.

The incident was attended by Barra lifeboat, the Stornoway Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, two Coastguard rescue teams from Benbecula and Lochboisdale, police and the ambulance service.

A police spokesman said yesterday: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, although there are no apparent suspicious circumstances.

“A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”

Councillor Calum

“There won’t be anyone who is not touched by the death”

Macmillan, who knew Mr Monk, said: “He was a decent, hard-working family man, who was kind to his community. He will be missed.

“As well as being a fisherman, Michael had been involved in maintenance work for the council. He was always ready to help out when he could.

“We all hope never to go through such difficult times as these, but the people of the islands will pull together.

“My utmost sympathy goes out to his daughters, and his wife.

“Michael had been widowed some years ago and was fairly recently remarried – this will be especially hard for his new wife.

“What seems a great shame is that one of the problems we have with people who work on fishing vessels alone, is that when there are problems there is no one right there to help them.

“I am glad for the family that Michael was returned to them, and that there are no suspicious circumstances,” he added.

“Everyone is thinking of the family.”

South Uist councillor Paul Steele, whose family are involved in the fishing industry said: “This is very sad news indeed.

“We live in a small fishing area and there won’t be anyone who is not touched by the death of one of our own.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Mr Monk’s family.”