A major search operation is underway after two young women went missing while paddle boarding off the Galway coast.
The women, aged 17 and 23-years-old, failed to return to shore after setting out from Furbough Beach last night.
They entered the water at about 8pm and the alarm was raised at around 10pm.
Galway RNLI said its lifeboats have been joined by volunteers from the Aran Islands division and the Irish Coastguard.
A number of local vessels are also taking part and the Coastguard are liaising with Gardaí in Salthill.
Residents living close to coast have been asked to check the shoreline for any sign of the missing women.
Any sightings or information should be reported to the Coast Guard at MRSC Valentia on 112 or 999.
