THE mother of a man reported missing in Lough Erne has urged those scouring the area not to give up hope as searches continue.

Michael McGirr was last spotted in the Enniskillen area on Saturday, October 29, in a boat heading into Lower Lough Erne.

It is understood the vessel was making its way towards Inish Davar Island, and the RNLI confirmed last week the boat was located, but no trace of the missing Co Fermanagh man has yet been found.

Searches involving the RNLI and other agencies have continued, while members of the public have volunteered in daily searches in the lough since.

Boat owners have joined in the hunt on water, as others walk along the lough shore, with volunteer efforts coordinated on the 'Search for Michael McGirr' Facebook page.

In a social media post, Mr McGirr's mother Bernie Watterson thanked those continuing to venture into the lough, and urged volunteers not to give up hope.

She said there had been "no luck" in weekend searches for her son, known to some as 'Mac'.

"We really thought today was going to be the day. I saw so many people walking the shores today and out on the water, even in those awful rain showers," she said.

"If Michael could see what people were putting themselves through to find him he would be mortified. And thankful.

"But he would do the same for any single one of us."

She added: "Please, please don’t give up. Lough Erne, from Car Island up, is our search area. We’re grateful for every single inch you walk on the shores, and every second you’re out checking on the water. The lough might decide to give Mac back to us at any time, and we’ll only find him if we’re looking for him.

"So every bit has to be checked over and over until we find him. Im so grateful to everyone helping, the searchers and those keeping us fed and watered. Please please don’t give up, we need our Mac back."