RIP: Search for missing Galway swimmer stood down as body is recovered from the sea

The search for a swimmer who had been missing for more than a week has been stood down after a body was recovered close to where she was last seen.

Máire Ní Fhátharta, 32, from Spiddal, County Galway went missing on November 12 after she failed to return from an early-morning swim at nearby Silver Strand.

Since then, a massive search operation has been ongoing involving gardai, members of the Irish Coastguard, RNLI, Civil Defence, a number of local and national search units, along with hundreds of volunteers.

In an update, issued this Friday evening, gardai confirmed a body has been recovered and that the search has now been stood down.

"This afternoon, Friday, November 22 2024, a body was recovered near Rusheen Bay, Co. Galway. The body has been transferred to the morgue at University Hospital Galway, where a post-mortem examination is due to take place."

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While the search for Ní Fhátharta has for now been stood down, gardai say formal identification has yet to occur and the process remains ongoing.

"An Garda Síochána continues to provide our support to the loved ones of the missing woman and a Family Liaison Officer has been appointed," said a spokesperson.