'Another heartbreaking tragedy' - Missing Irish fisherman recovered off coast named locally

The body of a man recovered from Donegal Bay following an extensive search for a missing Irish fisherman has been identified as that of Kevin McCloskey.

Kevin, from Killybegs, was the owner of the FV K-Mar-K, graduated from BIM Fisheries College in Greencastle, according to the Fishing Daily.

“He began his fishing career by serving his apprenticeship on board the Sharlega, owned by Jimmy Murrin,” Oliver McBride wrote. Kevin later owned the Rose Devoir and then bought the Pilgrims Light.

“Our thoughts are with Kevin's family and friends tonight, as well as our fellow SAR colleagues. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí air,” Lough Swilly RNLI posted.

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“The Skipper extends our deepest condolences and sympathies to Kevin's family and friends at this time of tragedy,” the Commercial Fishing and Aquaculture Magazine posted.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD posted: “My deepest sympathy to Kevin’s family and friends. Another heartbreaking tragedy for our fishing communities.”

The alarm was raised on Thursday when an empty boat ran aground at Cliffoney, Co Sligo, with the engine running. A major search ensued, involving two helicopters, several RNLI and Coast Guard crews, and numerous local vessels.

While the search focused largely on the Mullaghmore area of Donegal Bay, it also included an extensive stretch of water and coast, reaching to the wider Killybegs area and Sliabh Liag area.

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A spokesperson for the Department of Transport, which includes the Irish Coast Guard service, said: "The extensive search coordinated for a missing fisherman by the Coast Guard today in Donegal Bay has ended with the recovery of a body off Teelin on the Donegal Coast.

"A local fishing vessel involved in the search made the discovery just before 6pm. The search concluded after three days of intensive searching coordinated by the Coast Guard at Malin Head Maritime Rescue Sub Centre.

"The Coast Guard extends their sympathy to the family at this time of sadness and would also like to thank all the search units and local fishing vessels, An Garda Siochana along with the community for their support throughout the search."