Body found in search for missing fisherman off Co Clare

Search teams have recovered a body after a man was swept out to sea while fishing for oysters off the Clare coast.

The man was working alongside three colleagues at oyster beds in Poulnasherry Bay when they got into difficulties at 3.30am this morning.

Three of the men managed to avoid the rising tide by climbing onto a tractor and trailer they had been using, but a fourth was later reported missing.

High tides had hampered search efforts.

Valentia Coast Guard reported that a man’s body was found at 10.40am. It was discovered around 200m west of where the fisherman was last seen.

Authorities have not yet disclosed any identifying details for the man.

His disappearance had prompted a large operation involving a lifeboat from nearby Kilrush, along with along with Coast Guard units from Kilkee, Doolin, Ballybunion and the Shannon rescue helicopter.

According to a spokesman for the Coast Guard, oyster fishing is commonplace in the area, including during night-time and early morning hours. He encouraged anyone engaging in the activity to always carry a mobile phone or a radio transmitter in case they were to get into difficulties or become stranded.