A UK Navy crew member who went missing off the north-west coast of Ireland has unfortunately not been found despite an extensive search effort being called off. The search operation was initiated on Saturday morning following a distress call received by the Irish Coast Guard from a UK naval support vessel, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge. The crew member was last observed around 10:30 pm on Friday in the area between Tory Island, Co Donegal, and Eagle Island, Co Mayo.
Details regarding the missing crew member have not been disclosed, respecting the family’s request for privacy. Defence Secretary John Healey expressed deep sorrow over the unsuccessful search, offering condolences to the crew member’s family and colleagues. Appreciation was extended to the Irish authorities, RNLI, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy for their swift response and dedicated search efforts.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed the conclusion of the search for the missing RFA crew member, with the family duly notified. An investigation into the incident has been initiated, assuring that no other individuals were harmed or reported missing. The search operation involved the Irish Coast Guard, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, RNLI, and Irish authorities under the coordination of the Irish Coast Guard maritime rescue sub centre at Malin.
Aerial search activities were conducted by the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F from Shannon airport, Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo, and the Irish Air Corps plane, CASA 284. Simultaneously, a sea search was coordinated by the UK naval support vessel and three RNLI weather lifeboats stationed at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly.
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