A MAJOR search operation is underway this evening for a “young male swimmer” missing off the coast of Meath.
The alarm was raised at 6.12pm today by a member of the public.
The Department of Transport confirmed the Dublin-based R116 helicopter was dispatched to the scene.
The crew carried out a “comprehensive air search”.
The Drogheda Coast Guard unit also responded to the incident.
They continue to search this evening alongside the Coast Guard boat.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said: “At 18.12 today (20th June) a member of the public reported a young male swimmer missing at Laytown.
“Conditions were smooth with a water temperature of 16 degrees.
“Dublin-based R116 helicopter and Drogheda Coast Guard Unit were tasked to respond.
“R116 undertook a comprehensive air search using available endurance.
“Drogheda Coast Guard Unit and Coast Guard boat are continuing to search.”
Gardai have confirmed they are also involved in the ongoing operation.
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai and emergency services are currently engaged in a search operation in the Laytown area of Co. Meath.
“As this is an ongoing incident, no further information is available.”
It comes after an unrelated incident in Derry earlier this afternoon in which a man’s body was discovered on a popular beach.
It is understood the man got into difficulty swimming in the sea at Castlerock beach during the scorching weather.
‘AVOID THE AREA’
The PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and the air ambulance attended the scene of the incident today.
The assistance of the RNLI was also requested as the PSNI asked the public to avoid the scene
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are currently in attendance after a body was found on the beach in Castlerock today, Friday 20 June.
“Cordons are in place and the public is asked to avoid the area at this time.”
ALARM RAISED
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed the alarm was raised via an emergency call at 3.35pm today.
They said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 14:35 on Friday 20 June following reports of an incident at Castlerock Beach.
“NIAS despatched a Rapid Response Paramedic, 2 Emergency Crews, 1 HART Crew and an Ambulance Officer to the scene.
“Ambulance Control also tasked the Charity Air Ambulance, with HEMS Team on board, to attend.
