The search for a woman missing in Galway Bay has been called off for the evening and will resume again tomorrow morning.
For a second day, heavy localised fog around Silverstrand Beach has hampered the efforts to locate the woman, who is in her early 30s.
She was one of two people reported missing yesterday morning.
The body of a 74-year-old man was recovered hours after he was swept out to sea. He has been named as songwriter Johnny Duhan.
Writing on X, the Taoiseach described Mr Duhan as "a renowned and much loved songwriter".
Mr Harris added that the "the young woman who is still missing remains in our thoughts".
Terribly sad news tonight from Galway. Johnny Duhan was a renowned and much loved songwriter. Thinking of his family and loved ones at this very sad time.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) November 12, 2024
The young woman who is still missing remains in our thoughts tonight https://t.co/BO0eaMYMIn
Gardaí say they are still puzzled by the sequence of events that led to the tragedies.
Superintendent Paudie O'Shea from Galway Garda Station described the weather conditions in the area as quite unique, with dense fog descending and lifting repeatedly for all of yesterday and much of this afternoon.
In contrast, conditions are clearer further out to sea.
Superintendent O’Shea said it was possible that both of the missing people had gotten disorientated in the fog "which was lifting and dropping within seconds".
He said there had been huge and overwhelming support from the local community since the search was launched yesterday morning.
Hundreds of people from Conamara and Galway took part in coastline searches from An Spidéal, to Galway and eastwards towards Oranmore throughout the day.
RNLI boats from Galway and the Aran Islands were joined by local boats, kayakers and paddle boarders, for a detailed sweep of Galway Bay.
Poor visibility meant aerial surveys near the shoreline were compromised but the Irish Coast Guard Rescue 117 Helicopter from Waterford was deployed over the bay this afternoon and assisted in that regard.
Locals from An Spidéal plan to carry out further coastal searches tonight.
Meanwhile funeral arrangements for Johnny Duhan have been announced this evening.
He will be laid to rest following funeral mass in New Inn, Co. Galway next Friday.
The songwriter has been remembered as someone who had a powerful way with words, by the manager of the Town Hall Theatre in Galway, where he played on many occasions.
Describing him as an inspiration to a generation of Irish Musicians, Fergal McGrath said Mr Duhan forged a singular path over his career and left behind a body of work that would stand the test of time.
