A WIDE-SCALE operation has found the body of a missing oyster fisherman.

The effort got underway earlier after a group of oyster fishermen became stranded in the early hours.

The four men were using tractors and trailers to collect oysters in Kilrush, County Clare, at around 2am this morning when the tide came in, stranding them.

Three of the men were able to climb on top of the tractor and were rescued after a group of people on their way home from the pub heard their cries for help. A local boat was sent to rescue them.

A fourth man, in his 40s, attempted to swim for shore but drowned.

Coast Guard units from Kilkee, Doolin and Ballybunion, as well as the Kilrush lifeboat and the Shannon rescue helicopter were all involved in the search.

Commenting on the callout, Pauline Dunleavy, Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘This was one of the largest search and rescue operation in the Shannon Estuary for a number of years. I would like to commend the quick response from all agencies especially the members of the public that assisted.

“On behalf of everyone at Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Station, I wish to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who sadly did not survive.”