Search continues for man caught by freak wave

A FULL-SCALE search resumed yesterday for a fisherman washed out to sea by a freak wave in Co Clare.

Around 40 divers, lifeboat crews and the Shannon-based air sea rescue helicopter joined the search for the man, who was washed out to sea on Sunday afternoon.

Two non-nationals were fishing at the shoreline at Tullygreen, near Cross, at 4.30pm, when they were swept out to sea by a freak wave.

One man was washed back on to the rocks and scrambled to safety, raising the alarm.

The incident happened just weeks after a freak wave took the life of another non-national who was swept off the Co Kerry coast.

“They may not be from coastal communities themselves and unaware of the dangers,” said Jim Guirey, of the Valentia Search and Rescue Centre.

Despite there being a large team, including 40 divers and lifeboats, no trace of the missing man was found.

The search was called off at lunchtime yesterday because of very rough sea conditions. It will resume sometime today depending on search conditions.