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Search under way for fisherman missing off Sligo coast

The search in Donegal Bay is being coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard
The search in Donegal Bay is being coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard

A multi-agency search is ongoing for a fisherman missing off the coast of Mullaghmore, Co Sligo.

A member of the public alerted the Malin Head coordination centre yesterday evening to a fishing vessel aground about 4km south of Mullaghmore Head.

It is believed that the fisherman fell overboard from the vessel as the engine was still running when the vessel was discovered.

The search co-ordinated by the Malin Head Coast Guard is concentrating on the area off Mullaghmore and out into Donegal Bay.

Gardaí are also assisting the Coast Guard in the search operation.

The extensive search is being conducted by Sligo based Coast Guard helicopter R118, Dublin based Coast Guard helicopter R116, Killybegs Coast Guard Unit, and RNLI lifeboats from Bundoran, Árainn Mhór, An Baile Glas and Sligo along with a merchant vessel and several local vessels.

An RNLI spokesperson said Sligo Bay and Bundoran RNLI's inshore lifeboats were requested by the Coast Guard to divert from a routine training exercise shortly before 8pm.

They said the request followed the report from a member of the public who raised the alarm after spotting a boat aground with its engine still running off Cliffoney Beach.