Mr McCloskey served as KFO’s chairman in 2002 and he was also a former board member.

The organisation said he was “a respected and experienced fisherman” having worked all his life in the industry.

The Irish minister for fisheries and the marine, Timmy Dooley, said his thoughts and prayers were with the family and friends of Mr McCloskey on “this difficult day”.

“His loss, while at sea serves as a reminder to us all of the daily challenges faced by fishermen and women as they work in such a high-risk environment,” he added.

Mr McCloskey had been missing since Thursday.

A member of the public raised the alarm at about 20:00 local time (20:00 BST) that evening after spotting a boat aground with its engine still running off Cliffoney Beach in County Sligo.