Lough Erne search for missing passenger underway

A search operation is underway to night for a missing passenger who was on board a boat that capsized on Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh.

It is understood there were six people on board the vessel when it got into difficulty. Five of them were rescued but teams were still scouring the lake for a man who remained unaccounted for.

A number of Enniskillen RNLI lifeboats were involved in the search and an Irish Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched from Sligo after a request for assistance from Belfast Coastguard, which was coordinating the search.

Belfast Coastguard received a 999 call at 6.15pm from a member of the public, close to Portora Boat Club, Enniskillen. The caller reported that a rowing boat had capsized off the boat club.

Two of the vessels for hire in the Lough rescued five of the six people. The missing man is not believed to have been wearing a lifejacket.

Enniskillen Coastguard Team were sent to the scene to search the shoreline whilst RNLI lifeboats based in Enniskillen and Carrybridge were sent to search the water. A PSNI boat was also dispatched.

The five people recovered from the water were treated by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Belfast Coastguard watch manager Gary Young said: "An extensive search is continuing at this time and weather conditions are favourable in the area."