A navy ship has joined the search for a fisherman missing off the Kerry coast.

The 46-year-old Spaniard fell overboard yesterday evening during gale force winds and large swells.

The navy ship, the LE Aisling is currently searching an area of sea south west of the Blasket Islands off the Kerry coast.

The Spaniard was onboard a 38-metre trawler, the Peixemar Dos, currently operating from Castletownbere in West Cork.

He was reported as falling overboard around 6.30pm last night in gale force winds and 4.5 metre swells.

The navy will be joined by the Irish Coastguard helicopter. Rescue 115 and RNLI lifeboats are also expected to join the search.

The search is being coordinated by the Valentia Rescue Coordination Centre.

Gerard O'Flynn from Coastguard Operations says visibility was poor yesterday evening but conditions have improved overnight.