In the cold and tumultuous waters off Ireland’s northwest coast, a major search and rescue operation has been underway since the early hours of November 15, 2025, as authorities race to locate a missing crew member from the United Kingdom’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The incident, which unfolded between Tory Island in County Donegal and Eagle Island in County Mayo, has drawn a coordinated, multi-agency response involving air and sea assets from both Ireland and the UK, according to statements from the Irish Department of Transport and the UK Ministry of Defence.
The drama began late on Friday night, November 14, when the crew member was last seen at approximately 10:30pm local time aboard a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) support vessel. The ship was positioned north of Tory Island, a remote outpost known for its rugged beauty and treacherous seas. When the individual was discovered missing, the vessel’s crew raised the alarm, and a distress call was placed to the Irish Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Malin Head just before 9:00am on Saturday, November 15, as confirmed by Ireland’s Department of Transport.
“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 this morning,” read a statement from the Department of Transport, as reported by BBC News and other outlets. “The alert was for a missing crew member on board, last seen at approximately 10.30pm last night.”
With the alarm sounded, the search effort rapidly escalated into a large-scale, multi-agency operation. The Malin Head Coast Guard took the lead in coordinating resources, focusing the search area on the rough Atlantic waters stretching between Tory Island and Eagle Island. The operation drew on the expertise and resources of the Irish Coast Guard, the Irish Air Corps, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and the Royal Navy, among others.
In the air, a trio of aircraft swept the search zone: the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F, based at Shannon Airport; the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, operating out of Sligo; and the Irish Air Corps’ CASA 284 plane. On the sea, the RFA support vessel itself was joined by three RNLI all-weather lifeboats, dispatched from Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly. Other vessels of opportunity in the vicinity also joined the effort, as confirmed by the Department of Transport and The Telegraph.
Despite the intense activity, little was immediately known about the missing individual. Authorities have not released the crew member’s name or any details about the circumstances that led to the disappearance. BBC News reported that the crew member’s next of kin has been informed, but officials have remained tight-lipped, citing privacy and the ongoing nature of the search.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary, staffed by civilian sailors, plays a vital role in supporting Royal Navy operations around the world—providing logistical support in combat, countering piracy, and assisting with evacuations and disaster relief. This incident, however, has cast a somber shadow over the fleet’s mission, as colleagues and family members await news in anxious anticipation.
“Following an incident involving an individual from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary off the coast of Ireland, the Royal Navy is assisting in a search and rescue operation led by the Irish authorities with assistance from the RNLI,” a Ministry of Defence spokesman told The Telegraph. The spokesperson emphasized the collaborative nature of the response, with agencies from both nations working side by side.
As the hours stretched into a second day, the search continued without pause, undeterred by challenging weather conditions. Storm Claudia, which had battered Wales and prompted alerts for parts of Ireland, brought heavy rain and flooding to the region. The UK Met Office had issued a yellow warning for persistent and heavy rain on Friday night, which remained in effect until midday Saturday, further complicating the already perilous conditions at sea.
“Other vessels of opportunity are also involved in the search,” the Irish Department of Transport confirmed, underscoring the scale and urgency of the operation. The RNLI, known for its largely volunteer crews, provided crucial support, their lifeboats braving the rough Atlantic swells in hopes of finding the missing sailor.
The search was set to continue overnight, with authorities vowing not to give up hope. The Malin Head Coast Guard, the nerve center for the operation, maintained constant communication with all parties involved, coordinating the intricate choreography of air and sea assets. The BBC noted that the search area, stretching between two of Ireland’s most remote islands, presented formidable challenges—strong currents, unpredictable weather, and limited daylight hours all worked against the rescuers.
For those familiar with the region, the stakes were clear. The Atlantic off Ireland’s northwest coast is notoriously unforgiving, with sudden squalls and powerful tides. Yet, it is also a place where communities are bound together by a deep respect for the sea and a willingness to help in times of crisis. The involvement of local RNLI stations at Ballyglass, Arranmore, and Lough Swilly reflected this spirit of solidarity.
While the focus remained on the missing RFA crew member, the day also brought a reminder of the dangers faced by all who venture onto the water. Separately, on November 15, a man was rescued after his cabin cruiser capsized near Holborn Head in Caithness, Scotland. The Thurso RNLI all-weather lifeboat responded after members of the public spotted the man clinging to the upturned hull about 100 meters offshore. He was not wearing a life jacket and is believed to have been in the water for 20 to 30 minutes before being pulled to safety and transported to Caithness General Hospital by ambulance.
As the search for the missing RFA crew member pressed on, authorities urged anyone in the area to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that might aid the rescue effort. The incident has drawn widespread attention, not only for its scale but for the stark reminder it offers of the risks faced by those serving at sea.
For now, the fate of the missing crew member remains unknown. But as the coordinated search continues, the resolve of those involved is unwavering—and the hope for a positive outcome endures, despite the odds and the elements.
