A body has been found in Kilkee in the search for a missing Japanese couple.

The remains were located in the water off George's Head at around midday today.

A formal identification of the body has yet to take place.

The body is being transferred to Limerick General Hospital for a post mortem examination.

Cormac McMahon, co-ordinator of the South West Voluntary Search and Recovery Divers outlines what happened today:

Eiji Takagi (63) and Ushio Azaki (61) were last seen on Saturday, August 22nd.

Mr Takagi has joint American and Japanese nationality.

The pair checked out of hotel accommodation in Spanish Point on Saturday morning.

Their rental car was found abandoned in Kilkee several days ago.

A search operation is ongoing in conjunction with the gardaí and the coastguard.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact Kilrush garda station on 065-908-0550, the Garda Confidential Line at 1-800-666-111 or any garda station.