A large-scale search operation is ongoing off Ireland’s northwest coast after a UK naval support crew member was reported missing early on Friday. Authorities say the individual was last seen on board the vessel around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night.
The distress alert was received before 9 a.m. by the Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Malin Head. The UK naval support vessel was positioned north of Toraigh Island, off the coast of County Donegal, when the alert was raised.
The Department of Transport confirmed that the Malin Head Coast Guard is coordinating the search, focusing on the waters between Toraigh and Oileán sa Tuaidh, near Béal an Mhuirthead in northwest County Mayo.
Aerial searches are being conducted using multiple aircraft. The Coast Guard has deployed its fixed-wing plane, Rescue 120F, based at Shannon Airport, and its helicopter, Rescue 118, operating from Sligo. The Irish Air Corps is also contributing with its CASA 284 aircraft.
At sea, the UK naval support vessel is actively involved in the operation, along with three RNLI all-weather lifeboats from An Baile Glas, Árainn Mhór, and Lough Swilly. Other vessels in the area are assisting in the coordinated search effort.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said the Royal Navy is supporting the Irish-led search following an incident involving a Royal Fleet Auxiliary crew member. “The Royal Navy is assisting in a search and rescue operation led by the Irish authorities with assistance from the RNLI,” the spokesperson said.
Authorities have not released further details about the missing crew member, including age or identity, citing ongoing operational concerns. Weather conditions in the area were described as challenging, with strong winds and rough seas making the search effort more difficult.
The Coast Guard has urged local vessels to remain alert and to assist if needed while warning residents and seafarers to avoid the search area to ensure safety. Emergency response teams are maintaining close communication to coordinate air and sea operations, aiming to locate the missing crew member as quickly as possible.
This incident highlights the risks faced by naval and support crews operating in the North Atlantic waters, where rapidly changing weather and strong currents can make maritime operations hazardous. Officials emphasized that the search would continue until the individual is found or until conditions make further efforts impossible.
Residents in coastal areas have expressed concern for the crew member’s safety, while the Department of Transport confirmed that the search will continue throughout the day, with all available resources deployed.
