Crewman missing off Donegal coast named by RFA

James Elliott was last seen when the RFA Tidesurge was near Tory Island, Donegal on 14 November

A crewman who went missing off the coast of County Donegal has been named as James Elliott, by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).

A multi-agency search involving Irish bodies and the Royal Navy got underway last Saturday after the Irish Coast Guard received a distress call at about 09:00 (local time).

Mr Elliott was last seen at about 22:30 on the Friday when the RFA Tidesurge was near Tory Island.

The search for the 26 years old crewman from Northumberland, was stood down on Sunday.

He has served as a member of the RFA - a naval auxiliary fleet owned by the Ministry of Defence which provides support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines - for almost 10 years.

The head of the RFA Commodore Sam Shattock said the entire organisation "feels this loss deeply" and their thoughts are with Mr Elliott's family, friends and colleagues during "this incredibly difficult time".

'Extensive search'

On Sunday, 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."

The Irish Coast Guard, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, RNLI and Irish authorities were involved in the search, which was co-ordinated by the Irish Coast Guard maritime rescue sub centre at Malin Head, County Donegal.

The search from the air was carried out by the Coast Guard's fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F, based in Shannon airport; Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, based in Sligo; and the Irish Air Corps plane, CASA 284, Ireland's Department of Transport previously said.

There was also a search co-ordinated at sea by the UK naval support vessel and three RNLI all weather lifeboats based at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island and Lough Swilly, it added.