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Vessels began leaving shore from Co Wexford at 6.30am this morning in preparation for the resumed search for a fisherman reported missing yesterday afternoon.
The search officially resumed at first light at about 7.30am for Patrick Barry (55), of The Grange, Kilmore Quay, south Wexford, who had gone lobster fishing yesterday morning.
A spokesman for the Irish Coast Guard said the Waterford rescue helicopter, an inshore rescue vessel, Cork Naval divers and the LE Orla, acting as on-scene cor-ordinator, were present at the search site, located south of the Great Saltee island.
He said local fishing boats were also involved in the continuing search.
Two local fishermen who had been fishing close to the Saltee Islands yesterday noticed Mr Barry's boat, the Lenora Jacinta, was making no movement, and went to investigate. There was no one on board.
A search operation was immediately launched and suspended amid darkness last night.