A multi-agency search off the north-west coast of the Republic of Ireland has concluded with no sign of a missing Royal Fleet Auxiliary crew member, the UK Defence Journal understands.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said in a statement that “after an extensive search for a missing crew member of a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship’s company, the individual has not been found and the search has been ended.”
He added that “my thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in this tragedy and I would like to thank all those in the Royal Navy, the RNLI and Irish Coast Guard who took part in the search and rescue with such determined efforts.”
The operation was coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Sub Centre at Malin Head. According to Ireland’s Department of Transport, the RFA crew member was last seen at about 22:30 local time on Friday when the vessel was near Tory Island, County Donegal. A distress call was issued to the Coast Guard at around 09:00 on Saturday.
Search aircraft included the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing Rescue 120F, based in Shannon, the Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo and an Irish Air Corps CASA 284. Three RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly also took part, alongside a Royal Navy support vessel and other craft operating in the area.
The search area extended between Tory Island and Eagle Island in County Mayo. Despite continuous efforts over several days, no trace was found and the operation has now been stood down.
Authorities have confirmed that next of kin have been informed.
Thoughts to the family.
Does anyone know which ship?
Tidesurge.
Not to recover the body must be so frustrating for everyone involved.
Sadly given the delay in noticing his loss and sea state it’s not surprising, hopefully for the family the body will be recovered if it’s washed ashore.
RIP very sad