Urgent search for missing 'father and sons' who got into trouble off the coast of a Welsh beach as two coastguard helicopters descend on scene

An urgent search has been launched for a missing 'father and his sons' who got into trouble off the coast of a Welsh beach on Bank Holiday Monday. 

Two Coastguard helicopters have descended on Barmouth Beach in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, this evening.

The rescue helicopters were spotted circling the beach, while an RNLI lifeboat was also pictured as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Locals tonight said they hoped the frantic search would have 'a happy ending' and claimed that those involved are 'two boys and their dad'.

North Wales Police have asked people to stay away from the area while the incident is ongoing.

A spokesman for the force told MailOnline: 'We are currently assisting HM Coastguard with an incident on Barmouth Beach.

'We kindly ask people to keep away from the area while emergency services deal with the incident.'

MailOnline has contacted HM Coastguard for further comment. 

Barmouth is regarded as southern Snwodonia's most popular seaside resort and attracts thousands of visitors during the summer months.

The incident at Barmouth comes just days after a woman who fell overboard from a pleasure boat off the Isle of Wight was rescued in a major operation after a Coastguard helicopter winched her to safety.

Two search and rescue helicopters and a plane were sent to the scene alongside the RNLI's all weather lifeboat and one independent lifeboat. 

A cross-Channel ferry, Commodore Goodwill, also appeared to be assisting with the search.

The woman was safely winched to safety out of the water by a Coastguard helicopter at about 4pm on Thursday, HM Coastguard told MailOnline.