What happened to the missing sailor from the RFA Tidesurge?

The sailor disappeared from the UK naval support vessel RFA Tidesurge off the northwest coast of Ireland overnight, prompting a major search and rescue operation involving the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI, and Air Corps.

Where is Tory Island located?

Tory Island is a remote inhabited island off the northwest coast of County Donegal, in the province of Ulster, Ireland. It is the most remote inhabited island of Ireland.

How long has the search for the missing sailor been ongoing?

The search for the missing sailor from the RFA Tidesurge vessel began on the morning of November 15th, 2025, after the Irish Coast Guard received a distress alert just before 9am that day. The search is still ongoing as authorities work to locate the missing crew member.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Frantic Search for Missing Navy Sailor off Ireland's Northwest Coast

Frantic Search for Missing Navy Sailor off Ireland's Northwest Coast

15 Nov

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Summary

Sailor disappeared from navy support vessel overnight
Extensive search involving Irish Coast Guard, RNLI, and Air Corps
Vessel reportedly the RFA Tidesurge, located north of Tory Island

Frantic Search for Missing Navy Sailor off Ireland's Northwest Coast

On the morning of November 15th, 2025, a frantic search was launched for a missing sailor who disappeared from a navy support vessel off the northwest coast of Ireland overnight. The crew member was last seen on board the vessel around 10:30 pm on Friday.

The Irish Coast Guard's Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Malin Head received a distress alert just before 9 am on Saturday morning, with the vessel located north of Tory Island. The Coast Guard is now coordinating a search for the missing crew member in the sea off the northwest coast between Tory Island, Co Donegal and Eagle Island, Co Mayo.

The search effort involves the Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI, the Irish Air Corps, and the naval vessel itself. A Coast Guard fixed-wing plane, Rescue 120F, and helicopter, Rescue 118, are searching from the air, along with an Irish Air Corps plane, CASA 284. Three RNLI lifeboats based at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly are also involved, as well as other vessels of opportunity.

Online reports suggest the vessel involved could be the RFA Tidesurge, a UK naval support ship. The search continues as authorities work to locate the missing sailor and determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

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