A body has been recovered after a large search operation for a missing kayaker in Waterford.
The search had resumed at first light today for a kayaker who failed to return to a popular Waterford water sports area on Monday.
The man was aged in his 60s and was understood to be experienced in water sports.
A body was spotted in the water near Stradbally Cove in west Waterford shortly before 10am today during coastal sweeps by search officials.
The body was recovered following a painstaking operation involving the RNLI and Coast Guard.
The remains will be brought ashore and taken to University Hospital Waterford (UHW).
Formal identification has yet to take place.
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Search officials have notified the Office of the State Pathologist and a full post mortem examination will be conducted at UHW later today or early tomorrow.
A file will now be prepared for the Waterford Coroner for an inquest to be held next year.
The kayaker left the Helvick Head area of An Rinn outside Dungarvan in west Waterford shortly after 11.30am on Monday.
However, the kayaker failed to return as planned that afternoon and an emergency search was immediately launched.
The search commenced shortly after 5pm and continued well into darkness.
It resumed at first light today and involved multiple units from the Coast Guard, RNLI, Naval Service, Gardaí, coastal search units, fishermen and local water sports groups.
The search was coordinated by the Navy patrol ship LÉ Aoibhinn which is off the south east coast.
Major sweeps of the coastline from Dungarvan to Helvick and Clonea were conducted by the Coast Guard rescue helicopter Rescue 117 in coordination with both land and sea-based search units.
Fishermen, sailors and marine sports enthusiasts had been asked to keep a lookout along the coastal area involved for any sign of the individual.
The area is studded with isolated coves and beaches.
Sea conditions at the time were described as fresh.
Search conditions were challenging today because of sea mist and reduced visibility.
The operation was boosted by major support from leisure craft owners, fishermen and commercial shipping which had agreed to scan the waters off the south east coast.
West Waterford has a number of popular watersport centres stretching from the Helvick area further west to Ardmore.
The area also boasts a number of hugely popular beaches and campsites including Clonea, Ardmore and further west into east Cork including Youghal.
News Catch Up: Monday 12 August 2024