A body was recovered from the base of the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare on Sunday during a search for a missing Australian tourist.
While formal identification of the body has to be confirmed, it’s believed to be that of a woman reported missing late on Saturday night.
The recovery operation was carried of by members of the Naval Service Diving Section and Irish Coast Guard volunteers from Doolin.
When the alarm was raised at around 11.00pm on Saturday, Gardaí travelled to the area while the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard was also requested to assist in the search.
The Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter, Rescue 115, arrived at the scene around midnight and conducted a comprehensive search of the coast line.
Investigation launched after body is recovered off the Cliffs of Moher
The search was however stood down at around 3.30am with no sign of the woman being found although it’s understood some personal belongings were located on the cliff trail.
During an early morning coastline search on Sunday, members of the Coast Guard spotted a body on rocks at the base of the cliffs at Aill Na Searrach a short distance from Doolin.
Gardaí were alerted and the Naval Service Diving Section was requested to attend and assist with the recovery.
At around 3.10pm, naval divers launched their boat at Doolin and travelled to the scene along with a Coast Guard rescue vessel. Four divers swam ashore and recovered the body as Coast Guard members monitored the operation from the cliff top and rescue boat.
The body was taken back to the Coast Guard base at Doolin where Gardaí were waiting. The remains were later removed by hearse to University Hospital Limerick it’s hoped formal identification can taken place. A post-mortem examination will also be carried out.
A Garda spokesman confirmed: “An Garda Síochána are investigating all the circumstances of this death. At this early stage, we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances. A post-mortem examination will be carried out and a file will be prepared for the county coroner.”
Gardaí have been liaising with the family of the missing woman however formal identification of the body has yet to take place.
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