Multi-Agency Resources Tasked to Overnight Search in North Kerry

Friday 12 June 2026

BALLYDUFF, Co Kerry - A multi-agency search operation was conducted overnight and into this morning following reports of a missing man in the Ferrybridge area of Ballyduff, Co. Kerry.

Emergency services at Ferrybridge, Ballyduff, during a multi-agency search operation on the River Feale. Photo: Ballybunion Sea & Cliff Rescue.

At 12:02am on Friday 12 June, Ballybunion Sea & Cliff Rescue volunteers were tasked by Ballybunion Gardaí to assist in the search. Responding personnel assembled at the scene and established an incident command location to support Garda operations and coordinate search efforts.

Search teams were deployed to designated sectors along the riverbank, working alongside colleagues from Ballybunion Coast Guard, Ballybunion Fire and Rescue Service, and Listowel Fire and Rescue Service. The extensive search focused on the River Feale and surrounding areas.

Rescue 115, the Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter, was tasked to the incident and carried out an aerial search of the area. Following the helicopter's departure, drone teams continued the operation, providing aerial coverage of the river and adjoining terrain.

Due to challenging conditions, the search was suspended shortly after 3am. Operations resumed at first light with renewed resources on scene. Glenderry Coast Guard's drone team conducted searches downriver, while a second drone team focused on areas upriver.

At 9:45am Ballybunion Sea & Cliff Rescue launched it's IB1 D-Class rescue boat on the river to support the ongoing search effort. Sixteen minutes later, at 10:01am, the boat crew reported locating the missing man. The casualty was recovered from the water and brought aboard the vessel.

The operation subsequently concluded, with the casualty being transferred into the care of the appropriate authorities.