Search Intensifies Overnight for Missing Man off Donegal Coast

UPDATE: The urgent search for a man missing after going overboard off the coast of Donegal is set to continue throughout the night. The alarm was raised just before 9:00 AM today by a UK Naval vessel, which reported that the crew member had not been seen since 10:30 PM the previous evening.

The incident occurred approximately 32 kilometers from Tory Island, in the waters between Tory and Eagle Island in County Mayo. Authorities are mobilizing air and sea resources to intensify the search efforts for the missing individual.

According to a statement from the Department of Transport, search operations are being conducted by various assets, including the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing aircraft Rescue 120F based in Shannon Airport, and the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo. Additionally, the Irish Air Corps plane, CASA 284, is actively involved in the search efforts.

On the water, the search is being coordinated by a UK Naval support vessel along with three RNLI all-weather lifeboats stationed at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly. Several other vessels have also joined the operation to increase the chances of locating the missing man.

Officials emphasize that air assets from the Irish Coast Guard, all-weather lifeboats, and additional resources from the Irish Naval Service, as well as the UK’s Royal Navy and Air Force, will continue their extensive search overnight. They are carefully monitoring weather conditions and search effectiveness.

The community is rallying around the family of the missing man, hoping for a swift and safe resolution to this distressing situation. As search efforts persist, officials remain committed to utilizing all available resources to locate him.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The search is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea activities and the bravery of those involved in rescue operations.