A massive multi-agency hunt is underway off Ireland’s northwest coast after a UK navy crew member vanished overnight.
Distress Call Sparks Urgent Search
The Irish Department of Transport confirmed the crew member was last spotted around 10:30pm on Friday night. The alarm was raised before 9am on Saturday when the Irish Coast Guard received a distress call from the UK naval support vessel.
All Hands on Deck in Race Against Time
The search effort involves the Irish Coast Guard, Irish Air Corps, RNLI, the UK naval vessel, and other agencies. The Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Coordination Centre at Malin Head is leading operations between Tory Island, Co Donegal, and Eagle Island, Co Mayo.
- Air support includes fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F (Shannon), helicopter Rescue 118 (Sligo), and Irish Air Corps plane CASA 284.
- At sea, three RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly are scouring the waters.
- Additional vessels of opportunity are also joining the search.
Vessel Located North of Tory Island
The missing crew member disappeared from a UK naval support ship stationed north of Tory Island when the distress alert was raised.
“Malin Head Coast Guard are 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,” said an Irish Coast Guard spokesperson.
The tragic disappearance has sparked fears and intense efforts to find the crew member safe and sound. Updates will follow as the search continues.
