A young man from county Sligo has died and another Irish man is still missing following a kayaking accident in Ecuador.

Alex McGourty (20) from Calry, Sligo died on Saturday while on a group kayaking trip.

David Higgins (26), originally from Kerry, had been kayaking with Alex and a group of three others but is reported missing.

It's understood that the five kayakers got into difficulty following a flash flood in the River Abanico, in the Morona Santiago province.

One of the group of kayakers was found alive by rescue teams yesterday, while David Higgins is one of the three reported missing.

Alex McGourty's body was discovered yesterday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is aware of the case and it is providing consular assistance.

Mr McGourty, a member of Sligo Kayak Club, had travelled around the globe on kayaking trips after qualifying for the World Class Kayak Academy in 2016.

Local rescue teams, including police and firefighters have joined in the search for the missing people.