The Irish Coast Guard confirmed today, Tuesday, August 13 that it concluded its search for a kayaker who had been reported missing off the coast of Co Waterford yesterday evening.
The kayaker, a man in his 60s, left Helvick Harbour in Dungarvan, Co Waterford on Monday at 11:30 am and was reported missing at approximately 5:30 pm, the Irish Coast Guard said in its situation report on Tuesday.
An extensive search was co-ordinated by the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Dublin, and by naval vessel LE Aobhinn as on-scene coordinator, and was supported by Coast Guard Units from Bonmahon, Dunmore East, Tramore, Ardmore, and Youghal.
Teams from Dunmore East, Helvick, and Youghal RNLI were also tasked.
A search from the air was conducted by the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117.
The Irish Coast Guard said on Tuesday that the search and rescue conditions were challenging, with low-lying mist and winds in the area.
The body of the kayaker was located on Tuesday at about 8:30 am by Bonmahon Coast Guard unit off Ballyvoyle head, Co Waterford, and recovered from the water by a naval service rib.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told the Irish Examiner that the man's body will be taken to University Hospital Waterford where an autopsy will take place, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
The Irish Coast Guard offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Taoiseach Simon Harris also sent his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and also thanked the responders for their efforts.
Tragic news from Waterford this morning. I send my condolences to the family and friends of the man who lost his life at sea. I also thank our Coast Guard, search and rescue, and emergency services for their service and their efforts in the last 24 hours.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 13, 2024