Call for sunken boat to be raised

David Remøy and his father Oddne Arve Remøy died

The Norwegian government has been asked to help cover the costs of raising the Bourbon Dolphin, which capsized off Shetland with the loss of eight lives.

The Mayor of Heroey, Arnulf Goskoeyr, said it was important for relatives of the five crew who had not been found to recover the bodies of their loved ones.

The captain and his 14-year-old son were among those who died when the vessel capsized last Thursday.

The oil rig support ship, which sank on Sunday evening, may not be raised.

Mayor Goskoeyr told BBC Scotland that he was asking his government to investigate the possibilities of raising the boat.

Memorial service

"I'm asking them, if it is necessary, to be part of financing this operation," he said.

"If we can raise the boat we also can find those who are left on board and give them a grave on land.

"It is very important for those who are left at home, very important."

Three bodies were recovered and five others are missing, presumed dead. It is thought their bodies may still be inside the boat.

The tragedy affected a town twinned with Peterhead

On Sunday, relatives of the dead crew members had gathered at a beach in Lerwick for a memorial service before flying over the upturned ship.

Bourbon Offshore has now released the names of the crew members who are confirmed to have died. They are captain Oddne Arve Remøy, 44, chief officer Bjarte Grimstad, 37, and 31-year-old second officer Kjetil Rune Våge.

The missing are captain's son David Remøy, 14, who was on work experience, chief engineer Frank Nygård, 42, second engineer Ronny Emblem, 25, electrician Søren Kroer, 27, and 54-year-old bosun Tor Karl Sandø.

It is thought possible the Bourbon Dolphin will not be raised from the seabed, about 3,500ft down.

Deepwater experts have said the wreck could possibly be raised, although it would be a difficult operation.

The police investigation has been handed over to a Norwegian government commission set up to look into the incident.

Condolence letter

The Norwegian Marine Commission inquiry could report findings as early as the beginning of next week.

Aberdeenshire's provost is to send a letter of condolence to the Norwegian town where many of the crew of the capsized Bourbon Dolphin came from.

Raymond Bisset is making the gesture as Peterhead is twinned with Alesund.

Three of the eight who died on the oil rig support ship when it capsized came from the town.

The two places came together because of a shared history in the fishing industry.

Councillor Bisset told BBC Scotland: "I am aware of the close connection with Peterhead and I am sure people will be sad.

"I will be writing a letter of condolence to the mayor."