Search for missing tourists

A land and sea search, involving a number of rescue and emergency services, is underway in Kilkee, following reports that two Japanese tourists are missing in the area.  Their hired car was parked in the West Clare resort for a number of  days .

The man  and his wife, believed to be in their sixties, were  reported missing when they failed to turn up for a departure flight to another country.

The search operation was initiated about 5pm on Tuesday evening, involving a number of Coast Guard units and the Shannon-based rescue helicopter, and it was resumed at first light today (Wednesday).