Coastguard search for three after trawler sinks off Cork coast

A major search and rescue operation is underway off the south coast after a fishing vessel sank this morning.

The Irish trawler with six men on board went down off Union Hall in Co Cork this morning.

One man has been airlifted to safety, another two have been located but three men are still missing.

Two helicopters as well as a number of lifeboats are taking part in the rescue operation which is concentrated at the entrance to Union Hall harbour where some wreckage was found.

Vincent O'Donovan, who is with Courtmacsherry Lifeboat, said the rescue effort is being hampered by the bad weather.