Main pic: The scene at Magheragallon Pier where the search has resumed for missing kayaker, Paul Buchanan. Pic: RTE News.
Article Updated: 14th October 2024 – A previous version of this report referenced the launch of the search effort on Thursday 3rd October. Donegal Daily wishes to clarify that the alarm was raised on Thursday evening after Mr Buchanan’s family grew concerned about his whereabouts.
The search operation for a kayaker missing off the Donegal coast has resumed.
The alarm was raised when Paul Buchanan, who is in his 50s and from Ramelton, failed to return after setting off from Magheragallon pier in Gweedore at around 5pm on Thursday evening.
The kayak was found nearly 5 km north of Tory yesterday evening.
Hundreds attended a special mass held in St. Mary’s Church, Ramelton, this morning to pray that he will be found.
Local Parish Priest, Fr Michael Carney, said the mass was also offered for Mr Buchanan’s wife, Bernadette, and sons Mark and Martin.
Mr Buchanan is a well known chartered accountant who has a practise in Letterkenny.
Malin Head Coast Guard, as well as Bunbeg Coast Guard, have been coordinating a massive sea search since Thursday night.
Mr Buchanan was spotted by locals at around 7pm on Thursday between Inis Meáin island and the coast.
The R118 Coast Guard helicopter from Sligo was called to the area. Arranmore Lifeboat was also involved as well as the local Bunbeg unit.
The search was called off at 3am but resumed again yesterday morning with additional support from Lough Swilly RNLI and an extra helicopter from the UK Coast Guard in Prestwick in Scotland.
Shortly after 6pm yesterday evening, a kayak was found in the sea north of Tory – a long distance from where the man was last seen.
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