An air and sea search for three kayakers – two adults and a child – has been called off after they returned to shore safe and well.

Emergency services were alerted at about 5.30 pm that possibly three people had not returned from a trip near Duncannon.

The Coast Guard Air and Sea Sikorsky Rescue 117 helicopter based at Waterford Airport was tasked to lead the operation and RNLI volunteers in Duncannon, Kilmore Quay and surrounding villages, and the Navy and Waterford City River Rescue joined in the search.

The search concentrated on an area about three kilometres off the coast of Duncannon along the estuary leading out of Waterford Harbour.

However, the search was later called off when it was discovered that the kayackers had returned without being noticed and were found safe and well.