Tragedy in search for missing elderly man as body recovered from river in Cork

The search for a missing elderly man has been stood down after a body was recovered from the River Lee in Cork on Thursday morning.

The remains, believed to belong to a Cork man in his 80s, were recovered from the Horgan's Quay area of the city between 10 and 11am on Thursday. It's understood the man was reported missing at approximately 9am on Monday 14 October, reports Cork Beo.

A multi-agency search operation - led by dedicated volunteers from Mallow Search and Rescue (MSR) and Cork City Missing Person Search and Rescue (CCMPSR) - was launched immediately and took place over the past ten days. Their teams were joined by the Naval Dive Unit, units from Irish Search Dogs and a number of Coast Guard crews. Rescue boats, drones and the Shannon-based R115 helicopter were deployed for the search.

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Teams braved very difficult conditions throughout the operation, including weather warnings during Storm Ashley and one of the highest spring tides of the year.

Volunteers have thanked the public for their support in recent days, saying that the donations they received have left them 'humbled by the generosity of people'. Searchers specifically praised Cork Penny Dinners, the Anglers Rest Bar, Ballincollig GAA Club, Headway Ireland and the Oriel House Hotel for providing them with warm food, teas and coffees throughout the operation.

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