Search for lacking UK Navy crew member ends in disappointment as household ask for privateness
The search for a missing UK Navy crew member off the north-west coast of Ireland has sadly concluded without success, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge crew member was last spotted around 10.30pm on Friday. A large-scale multi-agency search had been underway in the sea off the north-west coast between Tory Island, Co Donegal, and Eagle Island, Co Mayo.
No further information about the crew member has been released, with their family requesting privacy during this difficult time. Defence Secretary John Healey expressed his sorrow on Sunday, stating: “After an extensive search, it is with deep sadness that we confirm the missing crew member of RFA Tidesurge has not been found.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
“My thoughts are with their family during this tragic time, as well as their fellow crew members. I am hugely grateful to the Irish authorities, the RNLI, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy who have responded rapidly to this incident and have worked tirelessly on the search.”
The Irish Coast Guard received a distress call from a UK naval support vessel just before 9am on Saturday. A search and rescue operation was promptly launched after the serviceperson was declared missing.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed: “After an extensive search for a missing crew member of a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship’s company, the individual has not been found, and the search has now ended.
“The individual’s family have been informed, and an investigation is now under way into the incident.
“No other individuals have been harmed or reported missing.”
The Irish Coast Guard, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, RNLI and Irish authorities were all part of the search, which was overseen by the Irish Coast Guard maritime rescue sub centre at Malin.
(Image: PA)
The aerial search was conducted by the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F, based in Shannon airport; Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, based in Sligo; and the Irish Air Corps plane, CASA 284, as previously stated by Ireland’s Department of Transport.
Additionally, a sea search was co-ordinated by the UK naval support vessel and three RNLI all weather lifeboats stationed at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly.
