A search is underway for a missing Spanish fisherman after he fell overboard from a trawler fishing off the south west coast earlier this morning.
The Irish Coastguard Centre at Valentia received notification of the incident at 4am and immediately launched a search operation.
The man went overboard from the Spanish trawler Ecco- homo some 25 miles south west of the Mizen Head in what are described as moderate seas with Force 5 winds.
The Irish Coastguard Sikorski helicopter from Shannon, is currently at the scene carrying out sweeping searches.
RNLI Lifeboats from both Baltimore and Castletownbere have also been tasked to assist with the search operation which is being co-ordinated by Valentia.
The Naval Service ships, the LE Aisling and the LE Emer are also assisting with the search operation as are a number of local fishing boats from West Cork.