Search for missing fisherman called off
An air and sea search in the North tonight was called after several hours after reports that a fisherman had gone missing.
The search of Upper Lough Erne will resume early tomorrow morning.
The man, believed to be an experienced angler in his 50s, was seen fishing on a small dinghy on Upper Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh this afternoon.
The small boat was spotted floating with no one on board at around 3.15pm.
The man’s rod and personal belongings were found on the vessel which was picked up 90 minutes later.
An Irish Coastguard helicopter from Dublin was involved in the search. Lough Erne lifeboats were also involved in the search.
A Coastguard spokesman said the missing man’s identity was not yet known and he appealed for anyone with information to contact them.
The spokesman said hopes of finding the man alive were disappearing fast.
“Everything points to the fact that he may well be gone. Given the water temperature, it is unlikely he will survive,” he added.
