Gardai searching for a missing yacht skipper have found his car keys and his car but there is still no sign of him.
Wood Magic, the yacht at the centre of the mystery moored at Sheephaven Bay, Ard on Sunday. Photo by Moses Alcorn.
The emergency services are becoming increasingly alarmed about the man’s welfare after he disappeared almost two weeks ago.
His yacht, named Wood Magic, has been anchored just 100 yards off the Co Donegal coast at Sheephaven Bay for at least ten days.
A search for the man has found his car at Fahan Pier around the Donegal coastline and the keys of the car were later discovered in the abandoned yacht.
Fears for the man have grown since a small dingy attached to the yacht was found turned upside down on Saturday evening.
A hatch on the yacht was also opened when boarded by Gardai.
There were no signs of a struggle but many of the man’s personal belongings are still onboard.
Gardai have now listed the skipper of the boat, who is from Buncrana on the Inishowen Peninsula, as officially missing.
The man’s family say they are very concerned about his welfare and have not heard from him in almost two weeks.
A spokesman for the Malin Head Radio Coastguard said “There is serious concern for this man and we are appealing for anybody who may know of his whereabouts to contact the Gardai.
“All his personal belongings including his car keys are untouched on the boat.
“We have tried to telephone him but his mobile phone is not ringing.”
The Donegal Mountain Rescue Team were drafted in today to search nearby uplands for fear the man could be injured.
The Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo also patrolled Sheephaven Bay along with the marine rescue services including the Mulroy Coastguard.
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