The search for a crew member from the UK Navy who went missing off the north-west coast of Ireland has sadly been called off. A large-scale search involving multiple agencies was initiated following a distress call from a UK naval support vessel, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge. The crew member was last seen around 10.30 pm on Friday, prompting the search operation between Tory Island, Co Donegal, and Eagle Island, Co Mayo. The identity of the missing crew member has not been disclosed, respecting the family’s privacy.
Defence Secretary John Healey expressed deep sadness as the search concluded without finding the crew member. He extended his thoughts to the family and fellow crew members of RFA Tidesurge. Appreciation was shown to the Irish authorities, RNLI, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy for their rapid response and dedicated search efforts.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed the unsuccessful search for the missing crew member and announced the conclusion of the search operation. The family has been notified, and an investigation into the incident is underway, with no other individuals reported missing or harmed.
The search involved collaboration among the Irish Coast Guard, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, RNLI, and Irish authorities, coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard’s maritime rescue sub-centre in Malin. Air search operations were conducted by the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F, Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, and the Irish Air Corps plane CASA 284. Additionally, a sea search was organized by the UK naval support vessel and three RNLI weather lifeboats stationed at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly.
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