Search For Missing Royal Navy Crew Member Called Off After Extensive Effort Off Irish Coast

A major search operation for a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) crew member who went missing off the northwest coast of Ireland has been called off after authorities failed to locate the individual, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on Sunday.

The missing crew member from RFA Tidesurge was last seen at around 22:30 local time on Friday. A distress call was made to the Irish Coast Guard before 09:00 on Saturday after the person was reported missing from the vessel.

The Irish Coast Guard immediately launched a search and rescue operation, coordinating efforts from its maritime rescue sub-centre at Malin Head in County Donegal. The search area stretched between Tory Island, County Donegal, and Eagle Island, County Mayo.

A wide range of agencies took part in the operation. The aerial search involved the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing aircraft Rescue 120F from Shannon Airport, Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 based in Sligo, and the Irish Air Corps CASA 284.

At sea, the UK naval support vessel worked alongside three RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly.

The MoD later confirmed that, despite extensive efforts, the crew member was not found, and the operation had been stood down. The individual’s family has been informed, and no other crew members were reported missing or harmed.

Defence Secretary John Healey described the situation as one of “deep sadness” and, in his statement, he offered sympathy to the crew member’s family and colleagues. He also acknowledged the quick response and hard work of the Irish authorities, RNLI teams, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

An investigation has now begun into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance. No details about the missing crew member’s identity have been released.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary, operated by civilian sailors, supports Royal Navy missions worldwide, including combat support, anti-piracy roles, evacuations and humanitarian relief operations.

References: BBC, abcnews

Source: Maritime Shipping News