Divers in underwater search for missing men

Navy divers were carrying out an underwater search for two missing men off the coast of Co Waterford today.

Choppy waters and strong winds have hindered the large-scale air and sea search for Gerard Shannon of Kilmeaden and Owen Barry from Dunhill, who were last seen swimming on Sunday night.

A coastguard spokesman said the underwater search in Ballydwane bay, where the men were last seen, offers the greatest hope for finding the men.

The rescue helicopter, local lifeboats, fishing vessels, coastguard units, gardai and residents resumed the search at first light this morning.

The coastguard spokesman said it has concentrated the shore search to a 25-mile stretch from Tramore to Helvick.

The alert for the two men, who are in their mid-twenties, was raised by a third man at 5.45pm on Sunday night.

The other man was rescued from the rocks where the men disappeared as they went for a swim after Waterford won the Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final.

The coastguard spokesman said they are hopeful the men are still in the Ballydwane cove but the sea search will go on for three weeks if necessary.