THE DEFENCE FORCES will today be joining the hunt for two people aboard a yacht, which has been reported missing after failing to arrive in Cork.

The Golden Eagle set sail from Bermuda on August 21. It was due to arrive in Crookhaven, Co Cork around September 15, but no reports have been received and the vessel is now classed as missing.

Two people – a Norwegian and a New Zealander – are aboard the yacht. Both are in their 60s.

A spokesperson for Valentia Coast Guard said a Navy vessel would be looking for the Golden Eagle along the west coast, and the Air Corps would also be sending out their fixed-wing aircraft on patrol. However, he said that the yacht could have gone missing anywhere in the Atlantic, adding that it left Bermuda during hurricane season.

He said the operation was not classed as an official search as there is no information the yacht is in Irish waters. “They could be missing anywhere between here and Bermuda,” he said.