Gardaí in Co Clare are appealing for the public's help in tracing the whereabouts of two Japanese nations who have not been seen since Saturday.
Joint American and Japanese national Eiji Takagi (63) and Ushio Azaki (61) checked out of a hotel at Spanish Point in Co Clare on Saturday morning.
A rental car being used by the two individuals - a red Hyundai with registration 151-D23003 - was found parked at Georges Head car park, Kilkee. It is believed to have been parked there since around 9pm on Saturday evening.
Mr Takagi and Ms Azaki had been due to fly from Shannon Airport to Heathrow on Monday for an onward connection to Tokyo. However they failed to show up for the flight.
Coastguard units based in Kilkee and Doolin are carrying out searches on shore and on the water in the area. They are expected to be joined by the Shannon-based coastguard helicopter.
Martony Vaughan from Kilkee coastguard unit has been speaking to Clare FM:
Anybody with information regarding Mr Takagi and Ms Azaki's whereabouts, or who may have seen the rental car before it was discovered in Kilkee, is being asked to contact Kilrush Garda station on 065-908-0550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111, or any Garda station.
