Search Operation Underway in Carlingford Lough After Fishing Boat Sinks, One Man Missing

A large-scale search operation is underway in Carlingford Lough following the sinking of a fishing boat with two men aboard. The incident, which occurred near Greencastle point, saw one man rescued by a local vessel and subsequently transferred to paramedics at Greenore harbour. The second individual is still missing.

The Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Belfast is managing the response, initiated after the Irish Coast Guard received a public alert at 12:30 BST. Assets deployed include the Irish Coast Guard's Dublin-based Rescue 116 helicopter, the Greenore Coast Guard unit, an RNLI lifeboat from Kilkeel, and Coastguard rescue teams from Newcastle and Kilkeel. A Royal Navy helicopter also provided assistance.

Michael Muckian, chair of the Cooley Peninsula Community Alert group, commented on the inherent dangers of the area, noting the "incredibly strong" tides and currents. He highlighted the collective effort of the local fishing and water-based community in the ongoing search.

Environment Minister Andrew Muir expressed his concern for those affected, especially the families and the broader fishing community in Carlingford. He also commended the organisations participating in the complex search operation.