THE body of an Irishman was disappeared while swimming off the coast of New York last week has been recovered.
Niall Gibbons, 30, originally from Milford Grange in Co. Limerick, was last seen swimming with two pals off Long Beach at around 2am on Monday, June 25.
The group are understood to have gotten into trouble in the water before Mr Gibbons' friends made it back to the shore and raised the alarm.
Mr Gibbons' remains were found by a couple between Edwards and Riverside boulevards on Wednesday following an extensive search operation, police told the Long Island Herald.
Friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute to the "much-loved" 30-year-old, who had been working at a bar in the US for a number of years.
Mr Gibbons was last seen swimming off Long Beach on June 25 (Image: NBC News)One wrote: "There are no words to express how deeply you will be missed".
Another said: "You were a rare gem and loved by so many, and I know your spirit will shine on forever".
A third added: "I treasure the time I had knowing you, and only wish it wasn't cut so short. I'll never forget you."
A notice posted on RIP.ie this evening read: "Niall died unexpectedly in New York. Much-loved son of Ray & Maria and cherished brother of Sharon.
"Deeply regretted by his family, brother-in-law Tim, aunts, uncles, cousins and a large circle of friends."
Mr Gibbons' funeral mass will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Castletroy on Wednesday, July 4.
His family have requested that any donations, if desired, be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund in lieu of flowers.
