The search operation for a missing Irishman in the United States has been given a small boost after a potential sighting was reported by some climbers.
Dubliner Cian McLaughlin, 27, has been missing from a hiking trail since June 8 in Wyoming.
He wasn't reported missing until four days later on June 12 after he failed to show up for work on June 10.
But having been initially reported as missing from the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, on Wednesday members of the search team in Grand Teton National Park said they would be narrowing the operation after a potential sighting of McLaughlin.
They said: "Today, rangers received a report of a June 8 sighting of a man fitting McLaughlin’s description by a local climbing guide.
"The guide reported seeing the man hiking up the Garnet Canyon trail, above the Garnet Canyon/Surprise Lake junction around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8.
"He described him as a solo hiker who had shoulder-length hair and was wearing round glasses, a white shirt, shorts, and a hat. The guide also reported the man as having tattoos on his arms and carrying a bottle of water.
"Based on this new information, search operations will be adjusted tomorrow to focus more on Garnet Canyon."
McLaughlin is described as 1.82m tall, roughly 81kg in weight, with brown hair, brown eyes and of a slim build.
The operation has included over50 park staff conducting ground search efforts in high probability areas of the backcountry.
Six search and rescue dog teams, members of Teton County Search and Rescue, and the Teton Interagency Helicopter have also been involved.
Cian's mother Grainne has traveled with her partner to the US as searches continue.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for her accommodation, travel costs and any other contingencies.
Currently over €17,000 has been raised of the €20,000 goal. You can donate to the fund raiser by heading here.
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