'Deep sadness' as extensive search off Ireland's coast for missing sailor linked to Navy ends

An extensive multi-agency search off Ireland's coast for a missing sailor linked to the Royal Navy has ended without success, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge crew member was last seen at about 10.30pm on Friday. The search has been taking place in the sea off the northwest coast between Tory Island, Co Donegal, and Eagle Island, Co Mayo.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "After an extensive search, it is with deep sadness that we confirm the missing crew member of RFA Tidesurge has not been found. "My thoughts are with their family during this tragic time, as well as their fellow crew members.

"I am hugely grateful to the Irish authorities, the RNLI, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy who have responded rapidly to this incident and have worked tirelessly on the search." No further details have been released about the crew member and their family has requested privacy. The Irish Coast Guard said they received a distress call before 9am on Saturday from a UK naval support vessel.

They immediately launched a search and rescue operation after the serviceperson was declared missing. The RFA comprises sailors - officers and ratings - who are employed as civil servants rather than members of the armed forces.

Its ships provide vital support to the Royal Navy. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "After an extensive search for a missing crew member of a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship's company, the individual has not been found, and the search has now ended.

"The individual's family have been informed, and an investigation is now under way into the incident. No other individuals have been harmed or reported missing." Read more:Five dead after car crash in IrelandThousands march in Mexico protests The search, which involved the Irish Coast Guard, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, RNLI and Irish authorities, was coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard's maritime rescue sub centre at Malin, a village in County Donegal.

Ireland's Department of Transport previously said this had involved UK naval support vessels and three RNLI all weather lifeboats based at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly. The Irish Coast Guard also deployed two planes and a helicopter to assist from the air..