Family of East Wemyss fishing boat tragedy victim 'devastated'

The family of a fisherman who died when his boat overturned have said they are devastated.

Birrell Stewart, 30, was recovered from the water about a mile off the coast of East Wemyss, Fife, after the 10ft fishing boat capsized in the Firth of Forth shortly before 5pm on Monday.

Two others who were on the boat, Jason Buchan, 35, and 47-year-old David Stead, both from East Wemyss, are still missing.

A statement released by Mr Stewart's family said: "Our whole family are devastated at the death of Birrell. He was a loving son, brother and dad.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jason Buchan and David Stead who are still missing.

"We would also like to thank all the emergency services who worked so hard to try and save his life.

"We would ask for privacy while we, as a family, come to terms with our loss."

The coastguard launched the search after being alerted by someone on the shore at around 4.50pm on Monday.

At the height of the search, lifeboats from Anstruther and Kinghorn were involved, as well as the Rescue 131 RAF helicopter from Boulmer and three coastguard teams from Kinghorn, Leven and St Andrews.