Debris found off coastline near Carnlough and Glenarm

The aircraft, which left City of Derry Airport yesterday, was bound for Scotland.

Two lifeboats from Larne were launched last night after it was reported missing.

The search began at 8.30pm after the microlight, which is understood to have two people onboard, was reported missing off the Northern Ireland coastline.

Larne RNLI launched their all-weather lifeboat and D class lifeboat.

This is the second major search that Larne RNLI members have been involved in this week, after helping to rescue three divers close to Blackhead Lighthouse on Wednesday night.

Last night they were accompanied on the search by and Atlantic 85 and all-weather lifeboat from Red Bay RNLI, along with an all-weather lifeboat from Portpatrick in Scotland.

The RNLI boats were joined by an Irish Coast Guard Helicopter and a rescue helicopter from Prestwick and local coastguard teams.

Search conditions were described as extremely challenging as visibility was poor due to thick fog. The lifeboats searched a major section of coastline, before being stood-down at 4am.

The search resumed again this morning after fog in the area had lifted.