The family of missing man Darren Rees have thanked the local community for their support in the search for the 43-year-old cockler.
Mr Rees was last seen before dark on Tuesday, November 3, cockling in the Machynys area of Llanelli. He was reported missing at around 6.30pm and a land, sea and air operation to find him was launched.
The search resumed again today with many community members and people from the cockle community attempting to aid Dyfed-Powys Police.
Darren Rees was said to be an experienced cockler who 'loved his job' and was last seen at low-tide wearing green waders and a blue jumper.
His family said they had been left overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers and people from the community who had reached out to help.
The search has included officers from Dyfed-Powys Police, HM Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats, specialist search and rescue firefighters and two helicopters but the 43-year-old has still not been found.
In a statement, the family of Darren Rees said: “We would like to thank everyone from the Llanelli community, specialist search teams and complete strangers who have reached out to our family and taken the time to assist in searching for Darren.
"Darren is an experienced cockler and loves his job. We simply want him found and home where he belongs.
"We would especially like to thank the cockling community, a community he is proud to be a part of, who have assisted with boat and coastal searches from various locations including Penclawdd.
"We have been completely overwhelmed and thankful for all the kindness and support offered to ourselves by the community in the ongoing search for Darren.
"As you can imagine this is a very difficult time for our family and we would ask that everyone respects our privacy as we focus on the search to find Darren."
Dyfed-Powys Police have warned against members of the public putting themselves in danger in a bid to help due to the unpredictable nature of the Loughor Estuary.
The search has now been suspended for the day but will be reviewed tomorrow.
Police Chief Inspector Chris Neve said: "The search for Darren Rees has continued today with HM Coastguard and we also called upon Mid and West Wales Fire Service who have been assisting us with specialist support from their urban search and rescue team and their drone air support unit. The search has now been suspended for today and will be reviewed tomorrow. We have also continued to support Mr Rees’s family during this difficult time."
"I am aware that members of the community have been in the Machynys area of Llanelli today trying to help with the search and I would again like to outline how dangerous the Loughor Estuary is and for people to be mindful of this. If people are in the area then I ask that they do not deviate from the main coastal footpath."
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