Search continues for missing man at Lough Ennell

Gardaí in Westmeath – along with other agencies - are today (Wednesday) continuing the search of Lough Ennell for a man in his 20's who has been reported missing since Sunday.

The operation is co-ordinated by local Gardaí and the Garda Water Unit, with assistance from local sub aqua teams, the Civil Defence and the Garda Dog Unit.

In the course of the search, a 17-foot fishing boat belonging to the missing man was discovered abandoned on an island in Lough Ennell.

Local volunteers are taking part in the search with some arriving with boats and kayaks to assist.

Sergeant Dermot Monaghan, of Athlone Garda Station, praised the contribution of local people to the search and confirmed the area being searched is approximately 48km in total.

Yesterday, local Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran issued a call for boats and more volunteers in the search, saying: “Civil Defence and search organisers at Lough Ennell are appealing for extra help as they continue to search for a man in his 20s who has been missing since Sunday. Friends and those leading the operation say the coming days around Lilliput will be especially important. They are asking anyone with some free time, a boat or kayak, with experience, to come forward. Three or four people are needed on each boat to help scan the water. Life jackets will be provided.”