Body found in search for missing Irish hiker in Sardinia

A body has been found in the search for an Irishman who went missing in Sardinia. He had been hiking on the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara. Picture: Sardegna Tourismo

A body has been found in the search for a missing Irishman on the Italian island of Sardinia.

The 39-year-old, who has not been named, was reported missing by his family on Thursday afternoon after failing to return from a hike.

The man and his family had been hiking the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, a 19.3km trail which runs runs along the island's coastline between the towns of Masua and Cala Domestica.

A search operation involving an alpine rescue team, a naval unit of the Guardia di Finanza, a rescue helicopter and piloted drones was subsequently launched on Thursday afternoon and continued throughout Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday, Italian broadcaster RAI reported that the man's body was found near the Sa Rocca Niedda canal.

Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported that after the man's body was discovered, members of the alpine rescue team began a recovery operation. The man's body was then removed to a square in Masua.

On Saturday, a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said it was aware of the case and was providing consular assistance.