RFA Tidesurge crew member who was lost at sea off the Irish coast is named
The missing crew member from Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel RFA Tidesurge has been named.
Seaman James Elliott, 26, from Northumberland, was last seen at around 22:30 on Friday, 14 November, when the boat was near Tory Island, County Donegal, in the Republic of Ireland.
After a distress call was made to the Irish Coastguard, a large-scale, multi-agency search operation began in the early hours of Saturday morning. It continued over the weekend, before being called off on Sunday night.
Confirming his identity in a post on X, head of the RFA, Commodore Sam Shattock, said the news had brought a deep sense of loss to the whole organisation.
During Prime Minister's Questions today, Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged Mr Elliott, "who has sadly been lost".
"I know the contribution that personnel of the RFA make, and the risks that they take in the line of duty," Sir Keir said. "My thoughts, and I'm sure the whole House [of Commons] are with those that knew him, at this tragic and difficult time for them."
The extensive search, which BFBS Forces News understands was launched immediately after the serviceman was declared missing, involved the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Irish Coastguard, RNLI and Irish authorities, and concluded on Sunday, 16 November.
Shortly after, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed with "deep sadness" that the crew member had not been found.
"My thoughts are with their family during this tragic time, as well as their fellow crew members," said Mr Healey.
He added he was "hugely grateful" to the Irish authorities, the RNLI, Royal Air Force, and the Royal Navy, who responded rapidly to the incident, and worked "tirelessly" on the search.
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