Major search ongoing in Galway for missing student Michael Bugler

Coast Guard helicopter flies over Claddagh and Salthill shoreline as part of search

The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter hovers off Salthill on Wednesday, December 23rd, while helping  in the search for missing NUI Galway student Michael Bugler. Photograph: Joe O’Shaughnessy
The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter hovers off Salthill on Wednesday, December 23rd, while helping in the search for missing NUI Galway student Michael Bugler. Photograph: Joe O’Shaughnessy

Dozens of volunteers assisted in a continued searchon Wednesday for an NUI Galway (NUIG) student who has been missing since last week.

Michael Bugler (20), from Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare, was last seen passing the Dominican church on the Claddagh just before 1am last Friday morning.

He is believed to have been en route home from a night out with friends.

The Irish Coast Guard Shannon-based Sikorsky helicopter flew over the Claddagh basin and Salthill shoreline as part of the search, which has involved gardaí, Civil Defence, family members, friends and NUIG students.

The search is being co-ordinated by Galway gardaí­ who have asked anyone who may have any information to contact them at Galway Garda station at Mill Street on tel (091) 538000, the Garda confidential line 1800 666111 or at any Garda station.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times