Major Search Launched After UK Naval Crew Member Goes Missing off Irish Coast
Multi-agency operation mobilised for missing Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailor north of Tory Island
A significant search operation is underway off the northwest coast of Ireland after a crew member from a UK naval support vessel went missing, authorities confirmed.
The Irish Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Coordination Centre in Malin Head received a distress alert just before 9 a.m. on Saturday from a British Naval auxiliary ship located north of Tory Island.
The individual was last seen at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Friday night.
The search covers waters between Tory Island, County Donegal, and Eagle Island, County Mayo, and involves aerial and maritime assets from multiple agencies.
Deployments include the Irish Coast Guard’s fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F based in Shannon, the helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo, the Irish Air Corps’ CASA 284 aircraft and three all-weather lifeboats from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution stationed at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly.
The missing sailor’s identity and exact circumstances remain unconfirmed pending further investigation.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the vessel involved belongs to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a civilian-crewed naval support fleet that underpins military operations and humanitarian missions.
The search was initiated after a distress alert was sent by the ship itself.
Both Irish and UK authorities are cooperating closely.
Search efforts are continuing around the clock.
Officials have called on nearby vessels of opportunity to assist and have emphasised that until the missing person is located, the operation remains at full alert.
The waters in the region are known for strong currents and rapidly changing weather conditions, which can complicate rescue efforts.
The precise reason for the individual’s disappearance—whether accidental overboard, operational incident or medical emergency—has not been disclosed by either the Irish or UK agencies involved.
The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary remain on scene to support the search and coordinate with Irish maritime rescue authorities.
The Irish Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Coordination Centre in Malin Head received a distress alert just before 9 a.m. on Saturday from a British Naval auxiliary ship located north of Tory Island.
The individual was last seen at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Friday night.
The search covers waters between Tory Island, County Donegal, and Eagle Island, County Mayo, and involves aerial and maritime assets from multiple agencies.
Deployments include the Irish Coast Guard’s fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F based in Shannon, the helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo, the Irish Air Corps’ CASA 284 aircraft and three all-weather lifeboats from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution stationed at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly.
The missing sailor’s identity and exact circumstances remain unconfirmed pending further investigation.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the vessel involved belongs to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a civilian-crewed naval support fleet that underpins military operations and humanitarian missions.
The search was initiated after a distress alert was sent by the ship itself.
Both Irish and UK authorities are cooperating closely.
Search efforts are continuing around the clock.
Officials have called on nearby vessels of opportunity to assist and have emphasised that until the missing person is located, the operation remains at full alert.
The waters in the region are known for strong currents and rapidly changing weather conditions, which can complicate rescue efforts.
The precise reason for the individual’s disappearance—whether accidental overboard, operational incident or medical emergency—has not been disclosed by either the Irish or UK agencies involved.
The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary remain on scene to support the search and coordinate with Irish maritime rescue authorities.
