Search under way for person reported overboard from yacht off Irish coast

Search efforts are under way for a person who was reported as falling overboard from a yacht off the Co Waterford coast.

Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 116 based out of Dublin has now joined the search operation for a person reported missing "overboard" from a yacht last night.

The rescue began when an alert was raised by another individual who was still on board the vessel.

It is understood that a person has since been taken safely to shore by search and rescue teams.

Waterford-based Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 117 carried out searches last night, assisted by a UK-based fixed wing aircraft, and RNLI lifeboats from Dunmore East in Waterford and Ballycotton, Co Cork.

A spokesperson for The Irish Coast Guard told The Irish Mirror: "The Coast Guard are currently coordinating a search for a missing man believed to have gone overboard from a UK registered yacht 16nm South of Dunmore East in the Irish Sea.

"A 999 call was received last night by the Coast Guard Coordination centre in Dublin from the yacht requesting assistance.

"Weather conditions are calm on scene at present and MRCC Dublin continues to coordinate rescue resources in the area with Coast Guard helicopters R117, R116, a UK Coast Guard fixed wing, Dunmore Lifeboat, Kilmore Quay and Ballycotton Lifeboats involved in the search."

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