THE RNLI says that a “massive search and rescue operation” is continuing for missing kayaker Robert Hanna.

The 47-year-old Carrickfergus man went missing after going out to sea at about 12:50 pm yesterday afternoon.

Lifeboat crews from Larne, Red Bay, Bangor, Donaghadee and Campbellstown in Scotland are taking part in the search co-ordinated by the Belfast coastguard.

Four helicopters, including an Irish coastguard helicopter from Sligo, are also involved in the search of the icy waters.