SEARCHES are planned to resume today for Dingle's famous dolphin Fungie, who has been missing for six days.
The hugely popular sea mammal, who first arrived at Dingle in 1983, has not been seen in the waters of the Co Kerry harbour since last week, prompting concern for his wellbeing.
Searches have already been carried out by members of the Mallow Search and Rescue group, and more are planned to take place today in a bid to establish Fungie's whereabouts.
A spokesperson said: "Our team conducted side scan sonar searches and divers searched the coves and inlets where he would normally be seen. Thankfully nothing to report and we hope that he returns soon."
The last confirmed sighting of Fungie, who has become a huge tourist attraction for Dingle due to his friendly nature and interest in interacting with humans, was last Tuesday.
A sighting of a dolphin on Thursday was not confirmed to be Fungie.
Boat operators have told reporters that he can usually be located within a few hours, and has never been missing for this length of time before.
More than 50 people are employed by numerous boat operators in Dingle who take visitors out into the harbour to see and interact with Fungie.
