Searches for a kayaker who went missing off the cost of Co Donegal are continuing as a prayer service is held to support his family.
Paul Buchanan, an accountant originally from Newtowncunningham, close to the border with Co Derry, was reported missing last Thursday evening after failing to return from kayaking at sea.
He had earlier set out from Magheragallon pier in Gweedore.
A search got underway for Mr Buchanan, who is in his 50s and lives in the Ramelton area, following a report to the Irish Coastguard, and his kayak was found 5km north of Tory Island on Friday evening.
Searches continued on Tuesday for Mr Buchanan, with the RNLI involved in a operation that has so far involved boats, a drone, and the R118 rescue helicopter from Sligo.
A rosary service was due to be held on Tuesday evening at St Mary’s Church in Ramelton for Mr Buchanan’s family.
The service follows a Mass held at the church on Saturday for the missing man and his loved ones.
On Monday, a minute’s silence was held by members of Donegal County Council as a mark of respect for Mr Buchanan.
The accountant is involved with GAA club CLG Baile na nGalloglach, based in Milford, and in a social media post a spokesperson said: “Paul is secretary of our Minor Board and in the circumstances CLG Baile na nGalloglach has suspended all club activity until further notice.”
In August, Co Fermanagh-born Francis Martin, who lived in Belfast and was in his 60s, died after setting out to sea on a kayak from Co Waterford’s Dungarvan area.
That same month, six kayakers were rescued by Portaferry RNLI after they got into difficulty at Salt Island in Strangford Lough.
