TWO people travelling on an aircraft to Prestwick Airport are feared to have died after debris was found off the coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. 

The aircraft - an Ikarus C42 - disappeared after leaving City of Derry Airport for Prestwick with another light aircraft that landed safely. A search for the two passengers is ongoing.

Wreckage, including the tail fin, was discovered by a Dublin couple who were on holiday in their yacht about 1km off the coast. It has been confirmed it belongs to the missing microlight.

It is understood foggy conditions made the journey harder and it is possible the other aircraft missed the fog allowing it to continue its journey. 

An extensive search was launched for the missing microlight aircraft on Last Thursday, June 9 night when it was reported missing. At the time the craft is understood to have two people onboard.

Prestwick helicopter search and rescue team were deployed to the search as well as Irish helicopter coastguard in Dublin.

Five RNLI lifeboats were also launched last night from Larne and Red Bay in Northern Ireland and Portpatrick in Scotland to take part in the search search.

Search conditions have been described as extremely challenging as visibility was poor due to thick fog on Thursday night with the search called off and resumed on Friday. 

The Coastguard say they will not be providing any further information at this time and police are providing support to the families at this time.