The absence of yachts from Dublin Bay on a bank holiday Monday in August was the first sign that it was no ordinary day for Ireland’s sailing community.

SAILING: David Branigan

The body of a man was washed up in Co Donegal today as a major sea search continued for a small boat off the south east coast.

Two seals are being returned to the wild this afternoon after being nursed back to health by the Irish Seal Sanctuary.