A MASSIVE search and rescue operation has been launched after a man disappeared while swimming off the west coast of Ireland this afternoon.
The swimmer reportedly got into difficulty in the waters off of Blackrock, Salthill in Co. Galway.
He is believed to be aged in his late 30s or early 40s.
The Irish Coastguard helicopter R115 has been dispatched to the scene along with a local RNLI boat crew, two units of the Galway Fire Service and local Gardaí.
Local fishing boats are also assisting in the search, according to RTÉ News.
More to follow as this story develops.
See More: Galway, Search And Rescue, Swimmer Disappearance
