Search continues for Chinese tourist swept off Kerry Head

A Chinese tourist fishing off the rocks at Kerry Head was still missing last night after he was swept into the sea in the afternoon.

A major sea search off the Kerry coast involving the Shannon-based rescue helicopter, the Fenit Lifeboat, Glenderry coastguard and the Ballyheigue Sea Cliff and Rescue had to be called off last night but the search expected to resume this morning.

The naval vessel the LE Orla co-ordinated the search, a Valentia Coastguard spokesman said.

The man was rod and line fishing with a fellow tourist at a height of about 30ft above sea level when it is understood a large swell swept him off the rocks at around 4pm.

His friend, a fellow Chinese man, contacted Listowel gardaí who in turn alerted Valentia.

Over the past decade, a number of fishermen, including foreign nationals, particularly persons from Eastern Europe have lost their lives after being swept into the sea off the Kerry coast.