The body of a man in his 70s has been recovered in a search for two swimmers in county Galway.

The operation was launched this morning in Silverstrand near Barna after two swimmers went missing at sea in Galway Bay.

The man's body was recovered this afternoon, while a rescue operation is still in effect to find a woman in her 30s.

It is understood the search is being slowed down by heavy fog in the area.

The man in his 70s was reported missing after he failed to return from a morning swim at Silverstrand beach.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene at around 10.30am where it subsequently emerged that another swimmer was also missing.

The woman in her 30s was reported missing at approximately 1pm, when she did not turn up for work.

Silverstand has been closed to the public while the search continues.

Both swimmers are understood to be from county Galway.

Boats in harbour, galway Bay, Ireland. Image: Bob Jenkin / Alamy Stock Photo