Major search underway for two swimmers off Cork coast

A major search operation is underway in west Cork for two swimmers who have gone missing after getting into difficulty this afternoon.

The alarm was raised at Owennahincha at 1.30pm.

Helicopters, lifeboats and the Coast Guard are taking part in the search, which is being co-ordinated by naval ship the LE Aoife.

Coast Guard Declan Geoghegan said this evening that hope of finding the swimmers alive is fading after over four hours in the water.