Major Search Operation Launched for Missing Sailor
An extensive search and rescue mission is currently in progress off the northwest coast of Ireland for a missing Royal Navy crew member. The alarm was raised after a distress alert was received from a UK naval support vessel.
Timeline of the Emergency
The Irish Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Malin Head received a distress alert just before 9am on November 15, 2025. The alert concerned a crew member who was last seen at approximately 10.30pm the previous night.
Ireland’s department for transport confirmed the vessel was located north of Tory Island when the emergency call was made. The missing individual is a serving member of the Royal Navy.
Multi-Agency Rescue Effort Underway
A significant coordinated response is taking place across a vast area of the sea between Tory Island in County Donegal and Eagle Island in County Mayo.
The search involves:
- The Irish Coast Guard's fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F from Shannon.
- Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 based in Sligo.
- The Irish Air Corps plane, CASA 284.
- The original UK Naval support vessel.
- Three RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly.
- Other vessels of opportunity that have joined the operation.
Malin Head Coast Guard is leading the coordination of the extensive search operation. The Royal Navy has been contacted for an official statement regarding the ongoing incident.
