Fisherman feared missing off Mayo coast

A search is underway for a lobster fisherman feared missing off the coast of Mayo.

The man's relatives contacted the coastgaurd when he failed to return home earlier this evening.

The Ballyglass Coastguard unit and the Rescue 115 helicopter from the Shannon base have launched a search off Belmullet.

High winds are hampering the search.

Jim Crerand, Duty Watch Officer for Malin Coastguard said the local fishing boat may just be late home - but that they can't take the chance: "We’ve received a report from a member of the public reporting a vessel overdue. It was a 26ft lobster boat with one person on board.

"He was due back around 6pm this evening. A relative was concerned and they called us at 8pm this evening and advised us he was overdue."