A woman and teenage girl who were reported missing after going paddle boarding in Galway Bay yesterday afternoon have been found alive.

The RNLI say they were found by a local fisherman who discovered them clinging to a lobster pot.

The two, aged 17 and 23, are believed to have survived 15 hours in the water.It is understood they are well and are receiving treatment at University Hospital Galway.

They are believed to be from the Knocknacarra area of Galway city.

The two had set out paddle boarding from the beach in Na Forbacha (Furbo) yesterday afternoon.

The alarm was raised just after 10pm last night when they failed to return.

A major search operation had been taking place, involving the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI lifeboats and hundreds of volunteers on land and sea.

Two Missing Paddle Boarders located and being transferred to the care of the HSE, search is now standing down, thank you to everyone that assisted in this SAR operation.
— Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) August 13, 2020

The Irish Coast Coast Guard and Staff at MRSC Valentia would like to thank Helicopter crews from Shannon, Sligo and Waterford, RNLI crews and Coast Guard units for efforts to successfully locate and recover two casualties in Galway Bay the operation ongoing since 10pm last nigh
— Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) August 13, 2020