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 continues this Sunday morning.
The operation has now turned into a search and recovery mission.
Paul Buchanan, who is in his 50s and from Ramelton, has been missing since Thursday evening since setting off from Magheragallon pier in Gweedore.
Bunbeg Coast Guard and Arranmore RNLI lifeboats are patrolling the area this morning.
The Sligo-based Rescue 118 helicopter is also due to assist with the effort today.
Crews are focusing their search in the West and northwest Donegal coast.
The extensive search is covering the general area of Gola island, Magheragallon and surrounding islands of Owey and Inishfree up to the Bloody Foreland.
The weather continues to be on the side of the service workers and volunteers today.
Mr Buchanan was spotted by locals at around 7pm on Thursday between Inis Meáin island and the coast. The alarm was raised on Thursday evening when he did not return to the pier. Rescue 118 was reported patrolling the area from midnight.
The kayak was found nearly 5 km north of Tory on Friday evening.
Mr Buchanan is a well-known chartered accountant who has a practice in Letterkenny.
In recent days, prayers and masses have been offered for Mr Buchanan’s safe return and to Mr Buchanan’s wife, Bernadette, and sons Mark and Martin.
Featured photo: A stock image of Bunbeg Coast Guard by Patrick Flynn
