Updated 9.40pm
A MAJOR SEARCH for two Japanese tourists who failed to return to their car at a Clare tourist area on Saturday has been wound down for the night.
The couple have been named as Eiji Takagi and Ushio Azaki, aged 63 and 61 respectively.
They checked out of their hotel in Spanish Point on Saturday morning.
Their hired car was found parked in Georges Head car park in Kilkee, which is a popular cliff walking spot.
It is believed their car was parked there shortly after 9pm Saturday.
The tourists were due to fly from Shannon Airport yesterday via Heathrow Airport for an onward connection to Tokyo but they failed to show up.
A joint search operation has been launched by gardaí and the Irish Coast Guard. A Coast Guard helicopter began searching the area yesterday evening and land searches have also been also taking place.
Investigating gardaí are appealing for anyone with information in relation to the whereabouts of the couple, or for anyone who may have seen their car (a red Hyundai 151-D23003) prior to it being found in Kilkee to contact Kilrush Garda Station on 065 908 0550, the Garda Confidential Line 1 800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
- With reporting by Michelle Hennessy.
First published 7.38am.
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