British royal navy crew member missing off Ireland declared lost at sea

The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) has confirmed that the search for a missing Royal Navy crew member off the northwest coast of Ireland has been formally ended.

Despite conducting an extensive multi-agency operation, the individual was not found till Sunday, November 16.

The crew member, who was serving on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge, had been last spotted on Friday, November 14, at about 22:30 (local time).

A detailed search and rescue operation was launched by the Irish Coast Guard following the distress signal of the UK naval support vessel.

The search operation which spanned the sea between the Counties of Donegal, Mayo, Tory and Eagle Islands was coordinated by the station of the Malin Head Coast Guard in County Donegal.

Irish Coast Guard, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and RNLI lifeboats of three stations engaged in the rescue exercise as well.

Air support such as fixed-wing aircrafts and a helicopter scanning the area was also used in the search for the crew member.

UK Defense Secretary John Healey expressed his deep sadness stating, “My thoughts are with their family during this tragic time, as well as their fellow crew members.”

He also extended his gratitude to all search teams for their tireless work and coordinated efforts.

The MoD confirmed the missing person’s family has been informed and has requested privacy.

An investigation has been formally started to unveil the circumstances that caused the incident.

The RFA who lost its crew member offers crucial logistical support to the Royal Navy, with its personnel being civilian sailors.