Home / Disasters and Accidents / Desperate Hunt Ends in Heartbreak: Royal Navy Crew Member Lost Off Irish Coast
Desperate Hunt Ends in Heartbreak: Royal Navy Crew Member Lost Off Irish Coast
17 Nov
Summary
- Search called off for missing Royal Navy crew member
- Crew member last seen on Friday night off northwest Ireland
- Extensive multi-agency search involving Irish authorities, RNLI, RAF, and Royal Navy
On November 17th, 2025, the Ministry of Defence announced that the search for a missing Royal Navy crew member off the northwest coast of Ireland has been called off. The crew member, who was part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge, was last seen around 10:30 pm on Friday, November 15th.
A large-scale, multi-agency search was immediately launched in the sea between Tory Island, Co Donegal, and Eagle Island, Co Mayo. The Irish Coast Guard, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, RNLI, and other Irish authorities were all involved in the search, which was coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard maritime rescue sub-center at Malin.
Despite the extensive efforts, the missing crew member has not been found. In a statement, Defence Secretary John Healey expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident and offered his condolences to the crew member's family. He also praised the rapid response and tireless work of the search teams.
An investigation is now underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crew member's disappearance. The individual's family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
