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06 Sept 2025

Search resumes for Donegal kayaker missing for two days

Kayak found on Friday evening off Tory Island

Search resumes for Donegal kayaker missing for two days

The 118 rescue helicopter has been involved in the search

A major search operation for a kayaker missing since Thursday evening has resumed off the coast of Donegal.

The man in his 50s, named locally as Paul Buchanan, was reported missing on Thursday evening, October 3, when a massive sea search began off the west Donegal coast.

Mr Buchanan,  who operates an accounting practice in Letterkenny, had set off after 5pm on Thursday from Magheragallon pier, but failed to return.

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He was spotted a couple of hours later between the coast and Inis Meain island but the alarm was raised at around midnight.

A major operation involving the Malin Head Coast Guard and the Bunbeg Coast Guard was mounted and the 118 helicopter and the Arranmore lifeboat have also been involved. 

On Friday evening, a kayak was found in the sea around 5km north of Tory island.

Additional assistance from the UK Coast Guard in Scotland was also drafted in.

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