Major search and rescue operation underway for missing oyster fisherman in Clare

By Pat Flynn

A major search and rescue operation is underway in Co Clare for an oyster fisherman who has been missing since early this morning.

Four men in total got into difficulty at around 3.00am when they got stranded in a bay near Moyasta between Kilrush and Kilkee.

Three men were rescued by a local man who launched his boat after hearing cries for help.

A fourth man, believed to be from the local area, is still missing. It is believed he tried to swim ashore.

The Kilkee unit of the Irish Coast Guard and the Kilrush RNLI lifeboat were alerted at around 3.15am and commenced both land and water based searches.

The Shannon based search and rescue helicopter, along with the Doolin Coast Guard and RNLI lifeboat from Fenit in Co Kerry have also joined the search.

Other search units and naval divers are expected to join the operation this morning.