Update 10pm: Emergency services have confirmed that there were no persons found in the car.

Divers are continuing to search the area while the rescue helicopter has been stood down.

A crane has been provided by a local building contractor to help lift the car from the water.

Earlier: A major rescue operation is underway in Co Clare after a car was seen entering the sea this evening, writes Pat Flynn.

The alarm was raised at around 8.00pm when eye witnesses reported seeing the vehicle crashed into the water from the end of the pier in Quilty.

The Doolin and Kilkee units of the Irish Coast Guard have been sent to the scene along with the Shannon based search and rescue helicopter.

Two units of the fire brigade and an ambulance from Ennistymon are also at the scene. Gardaí are also attending.

It’s understood emergency crews can see the vehicle beneath the surface however there’s no confirmation yet of how many, if any, persons are in the car.

Divers have been called in to undertake a further investigation.

The multi-agency rescue operation is continuing.