Multi-agency search continues after Royal Navy crew member reported missing off Donegal

Royal Navy crew member reported missing off County Donegal

A multi-agency search is under way off the northwest coast of the Republic of Ireland after a member of Royal Navy personnel was reported missing.

The Irish Department of Transport (DoT) said the individual was last seen at about 22:30 on Friday when their vessel was near Tory Island, County Donegal. The Irish Coast Guard received a distress call at about 09:00 on Saturday, prompting an immediate search and rescue response.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the Royal Navy is assisting the operation to locate a person from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. BBC News NI has reported that the crew member's next of kin have been informed.

Search effort and assets

Malin Head Coast Guard is coordinating the operation in the area between Tory Island and Eagle Island in County Mayo. Air searches are being carried out by:

• The Coast Guard's fixed-wing aircraft Rescue 120F (based at Shannon).
• The Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 (based at Sligo).
• The Irish Air Corps plane CASA 284.

At sea, the search involves the Royal Navy support vessel, three RNLI all-weather lifeboats based at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly, and other vessels from the region. The operation is expected to continue overnight as teams cover both air and maritime search patterns.

Note: Authorities have not released further personal details; the focus remains on locating the missing crewmember and ensuring the safety of all involved.