A fisherman has died off the coast of Inishbofin in County Galway.

The man’s body was recovered on the northern shore of the island by locals just before midnight.

Emergency services began searching for the man shortly after 10pm when he failed to return to shore.

The Coast Guard at Malin head joined the search with Coast Guard helicopter R118 and two lifeboats from Clifden RNLI.

“At 10:15pm last night, Malin Head Coast Guard was notified by radio that a fisherman was overdue and presumed missing off Inishbofin, Co. Galway,” The Coast Guard said in a statement.

“Just before midnight, R118 confirmed that the body of the fisherman was located by local members of the community.

“The Coast Guard extends its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

It is understood the man’s remains have since been transported to Clifden.

Main image shows the Inishbofin Coastline looking back toward Connemara. Image: Peter Mc Cabe / Alamy