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Kayak found in search for man missing off Co Donegal coast

The alarm was raised after the kayaker in his 50s was reported missing in the Machaire Gathlán area
The alarm was raised after the kayaker in his 50s was reported missing in the Machaire Gathlán area

A kayak has been found in the search for a man missing off the coast of Co Donegal.

The alarm was raised when a man in his 50s failed to return after setting off from Machaire Gathlán pier in Gaoth Dobhair at around 5pm yesterday evening.

The kayak was found nearly 5km north of Toraigh this evening.

Malin Head Coast Guard, as well as An Bun Beag Coast Guard in Gaoth Dobhair, coordinated a sea search since last night.

The man, who is believed to be from Donegal, was spotted by locals at around 7pm yesterday between Inis Meáin island and the coast. When he did not return to the pier, the alarm was raised at around midnight.

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The R118 Coast Guard helicopter from Sligo was called to the area. Árainn Mhór lifeboat was involved as well as the local An Bun Beag unit.

The search was called off at 3am but resumed again this morning with additional support from Loch Swilly Coast Guard and an extra helicopter from the UK Coast Guard in Prestwick in Scotland.

Shortly after 6pm this evening, a kayak was found in the sea north of Toraigh - a long distance from where the man was last seen.

The man's relatives and friends have been gathering at the pier tonight.