A search operation is underway in Galway Bay for a missing swimmer.

Galway RNLI Lifeboat and local emergency services are continuing their search for the man missing off Blackrock in Salthill.

The alarm was raised by a member of the public at about 5.00pm on Thursday.

The Irish Coastguard sought the assistance of Galway Lifeboat, Galway Fire Brigade and Galway gardaí.

A Coastguard Rescue helicopter also joined the search, but returned to base in Shannon at around 7.00pm.