The body of a woman has been recovered from the sea off Co Donegal following a search and rescue operation.
It is understood that the woman was out walking near the Great Pollet Sea Arch with a relative when she fell into the water.
The relative contacted the emergency services and an immediate search and rescue operation was launched off the Fánaid peninsula, coordinated by the Marine Rescue Sub-Centre at Malin.
The search team included Mulroy Coastguard, Lough Swilly RNLI lifeboat and the Rescue 118 helicopter. Conditions during the search were understood to be very difficult.
Shortly after 8pm, the woman’s body was recovered and then taken to Letterkenny University Hospital where a post-mortem examination is expected to take place.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport confirmed a body had been recovered from the sea.
The spokesperson said: “Marine Rescue Sub-Centre at Malin coordinated a search and rescue operation off the Fanad peninsula, Co Donegal this evening. The operation commenced at approx. 17:00hrs.
“The search concluded around 20:00hrs following the recovery of a body by Irish Coast Guard personnel.
“The Coast Guard extends their sympathy to the family at this time of sadness.”