The body of a woman has been recovered from the sea off County Clare following a land, air and sea search.

The operation was mounted and coordinated by watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue sub centre on Valentia Island in Kerry after a woman was reported missing in north Clare last night.

This morning, the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard was alerted and requested to commence a search while the Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter and Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat were also tasked.

The crew of Rescue 115 and lifeboat volunteers conducted a comprehensive search of the area while Coast Guard personnel searched along the cliff top.

Shortly after 8.30am, the helicopter crew spotted a body in the water off Aill Na Searrach. The body was recovered by the crew of the RLNI lifeboat and taken back to the pier at Doolin where Coast Guard volunteers and Gardaí were waiting.

After being formally pronounced dead by a local doctor at the Coast Guard station, the woman’s remains were removed by hearse to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem examination will be conducted. The county coroner for Clare has also been notified.

Investigating Gardaí will prepare file for the coroner who will conduct an inquest at a later date.