A UK Navy crew member who went missing off the north-west coast of Ireland has sadly not been found despite an extensive search effort being discontinued. The Irish Coast Guard initiated a large-scale search following a distress call from a UK naval support vessel, the RFA Tidesurge, after the crew member was last seen around 10.30pm on Friday.
The search operation spanned between Tory Island, Co Donegal, and Eagle Island, Co Mayo, with limited information released about the missing crew member at the request of their family who sought privacy. Defence Secretary John Healey expressed deep sadness over the unsuccessful search, extending condolences to the crew member’s family and colleagues while acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the Irish authorities, RNLI, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy in response to the incident.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed the conclusion of the search for the missing crew member, indicating that the individual remains unfound, and an investigation into the incident is underway. No other individuals were reported harmed or missing in connection to the incident.
Multiple agencies, including the Irish Coast Guard, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, RNLI, and Irish authorities, were engaged in the search operation coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard maritime rescue subcentre in Malin. Search activities included aerial efforts conducted by the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F, the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, and the Irish Air Corps plane CASA 284. Additionally, a maritime search was coordinated by a UK naval support vessel and three RNLI lifeboats stationed at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly.
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