A search and rescue operation was launched yesterday in Killaloe, Co Clare for a young man who was reported missing after failing to return home or turn up for work on Monday.
James Burke (23), from Ballinruane, Whitegate, east Clare, was last seen near the bridge at Killaloe last Sunday evening. He had been socialising in the area before his apparent disappearance.
It is feared Mr Burke may have slipped or fallen into the river. Rescuers say it is also possible he may be staying with friends and may not be aware of the search for him.
The water and shoreline search was launched at 10am yesterday and is being co-ordinated by Killaloe Coast Guard. The operation has also involved the Shannon based Irish Coast Guard helicopter, the Mountshannon Search and Rescue Unit, gardaí and up to 80 locals.
A coast guard spokesman said last night: "We commenced our search in the area around the bridge in Killaloe where James was last seen and we stretched out along the shoreline.
"We are hopeful that James did not fall into the river but we have to presume he did until we know otherwise. It is possible that he may be safe and sound and staying with friends and if he is, we would ask him to contact the gardaí or his family and let us know he is fine."
Meanwhile a search of the River Fergus between Ennis and Clarecastle was called off last night as light faded with no sign of missing Dermot Molloy (21) from Ennis.
Mr Molloy has been missing since he was seen floating along the river close to the Abbey Street car park in the town on Sunday evening last. Weather and river conditions prevented divers entering the water yesterday so the search was confined to boats and shoreline foot patrols.
It is hoped that members of the Garda Water Unit and local divers will be able to safely dive today.
Clare Civil Defence chief Liam Griffin said last night: "We cannot risk lives by allowing personnel to dive in the conditions so our operation was a surface and shoreline search but we hope that diving can take place again tomorrow.
"We are concentrating our search on the stretch of the Fergus from Steele's Rock down to Clarecastle and will resume at first light tomorrow," he added.