Missing British navy crew member not found after extensive search in Ireland: media

LONDON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A search for a missing British Royal Navy crew member off the coast of the Republic of Ireland has been called off with no success, local media reported Sunday.

A search and rescue operation was launched on Saturday, immediately after the Irish Coast Guard was notified of the missing Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge crew member, who was last seen Friday night, according to local media.

"After an extensive search, it is with deep sadness that we confirm the missing crew member of RFA Tidesurge has not been found," British Secretary of State for Defense John Healey said on Sunday.

The large-scale, multi-agency search took place in the sea off the north-west coast between Tory Island, County Donegal, and Eagle Island, County Mayo.

No further details have been given about the crew member, and their family has requested privacy.