Large-Scale Search Operation Launched
A major multi-agency search is currently underway for a missing sailor who disappeared from a navy support vessel off the coast of Ireland. The crew member was last seen on board at approximately 10:30pm on Friday evening, sparking an extensive rescue operation that began early Saturday morning.
Emergency Response and Resources
The Irish Coast Guard's Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Malin Head received a distress alert from a UK Naval support vessel just before 9am on Saturday. According to official statements, the vessel was located north of Tory Island when the emergency call was made.
Malin Head Coast Guard is coordinating the comprehensive search operation in the sea off the northwest coast between Tory Island, County Donegal and Eagle Island, County Mayo. Multiple assets have been deployed to locate the missing personnel.
Search Assets Deployed
The aerial search is being conducted by several aircraft including the Coast Guard's fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F from Shannon Airport and their helicopter Rescue 118 based in Sligo. An Irish Air Corps plane, CASA 284, has also joined the mission.
Three RNLI lifeboats from Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly are participating in the surface search. The statement from Ireland's Department of Transport confirmed that other vessels of opportunity are also involved in the search, indicating that passing ships have been asked to assist.
Online reports suggest the vessel involved could be the RFA Tidesurge, though this has not been officially confirmed. Tory Island, where the incident occurred, lies just off the north-west coast of County Donegal and is considered the most remote inhabited island of Ireland.
The search continues as multiple agencies work together in challenging conditions to locate the missing sailor.
