Search stood down for missing Royal Navy crew member

The search for a missing Royal Navy crew member off the north-west coast of the Republic of Ireland has ended and he has not been found, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge crew member was last seen at around 22:30 (local time) on Friday.

A. A large-scale multi-agency search is being carried out at sea On the north-west coast between Tory Island, County Donegal, and Eagle Island, County Mayo.

No further details about the crew were released and their families were notified.

On Sunday, Defense Minister John Healey said: “It is with deep regret that we confirm that after an extensive search, the missing crew member of RFA Tidesurge has not been located.

“My thoughts are with their families and crewmates at this tragic time.

“I am extremely grateful to the Irish authorities, the RNLI, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy who responded quickly to this incident and worked tirelessly on the search.”

The Irish Coastguard received a distress call from a Royal Navy support ship just before 9am on Saturday.

After it was determined that the person was missing, a search and rescue operation was started immediately.

An MoD spokesman said: “Following an extensive search for a missing crew member aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship company, he has not been found and the search has now ended.

“The individual’s family has been informed and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

“No other people were harmed or reported missing.”

The Irish Coastguard, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, RNLI and Irish authorities took part in the search, which was coordinated by the Irish Coastguard maritime rescue sub-centre at Malin Head, County Donegal.

The aerial search was carried out by the Coast Guard fixed-wing aircraft Rescue 120F, based at Shannon airport; Sligo-based Coastguard helicopter Rescue 118; and Irish Air Force CASA 284 aircraft, the Irish Department of Transport has previously said.

It was also stated that a coordinated search at sea was carried out by the UK naval support ship and three RNLI all-weather lifeboats based at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly.