'We are so relieved to finally have Michael home' - Body found in the search for missing student Michael Bugler

Gardai yet to confirm identity of body recovered off Galway coast this afternoonMichael Bugler (inset) has been missing since December 18

The sister of a young student who has been missing since before Christmas said they are "relieved to finally have Michael home" following the discovery of a body earlier today.

Michael Bugler (20) has been missing since December 18 last, with a massive search operation undertaken by emergency services over the last month.

Today, a body was spotted by a search party approximately 20 metres offshore at Oranmore, Co Galway.

A source said that it would take “some time” to confirm whether the body recovered is that of missing NUIG student Michael Bugler.

This evening, Michael's older sister Laura Bugler thanked the public on behalf of her family and Michael's friends for their help and support over the last three weeks.

"On behalf of myself, my family and Michael's friends I'd like to thank you all for your help and support over the past 3 weeks," she wrote on a Facebook post.

"Thankfully we are so relieved to finally have Michael home today x."

Galway RNLI Lifeboat launched from Galway Docks this afternoon shortly after 12.20pm following a request from local gardai.

The remains were taken onboard the lifeboat and transported back to the docks, before they were removed to University Hospital Galway.

NUI Galway student Michael Bugler is originally from Ennis, Co Clare.

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