Tributes paid to fisherman after body found following three-day search at sea

Tributes have been paid to a “respected and experienced” fisherman whose body was found following a three-day search off the coast of Co Sligo.

A member of the public alerted search teams after the missing man, identified by industry figures as Kevin McCloskey from Killybegs, fell overboard from a vessel on Thursday evening.

Malin Head Coast Guard co-ordinated the search, which involved the Sligo-based Coast Guard helicopter R118, Killybegs Coast Guard Unit, and RNLI lifeboats from Bundoran, Aranmore, Ballyglass and Sligo, as well as a number of local fishing vessels.

The Coast Guard confirmed a body had been found on Saturday evening.

It said: “The extensive search co-ordinated 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 co-ordinated 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.”

The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, which supports the fishing community, said in a statement on Facebook: “It was with deep sadness that the KFO learned of the death of Kevin McCloskey from Killybegs, owner of the FV K-Mar-K who lost his life doing what he loved, fishing.

“Kevin was a former board member and chairman of the KFO in 2002. He was a respected and experienced fishermen, having worked all his life in the industry, and noted for his positive outlook on life.

“The KFO would like to express our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

“He will be sorely missed by the local fishing community, the membership of the KFO and the wider fishing industry.

“The KFO would also like to acknowledge the extensive efforts made by local vessels, the RNLI, Irish Coast Guard units and shore search volunteers to recover the body.

“Recovery at least brings some closure to what is a tragedy for the whole fishing community.”