Skeletal remains discovered by gardai in submerged car in Co. Cork

Skeletal remains have been found in an abandoned car that was recovered in Co. Cork this week.

Gardai confirmed the grim discovery was made in a red Toyota which was found submerged in water off Hugh Coveney Pier in Crosshaven.

The remains have been taken to Cork City Morgue where they will be subject to an examination.

Gardai hope that DNA analysis will confirm the identity of the remains however they said that the analysis could take time.

A spokesman said: "Gardai have today discovered skeletal remains in the car that was found off Hugh Coveney Pier in Crosshaven, Co. Cork on May 26, 2021.

"The submerged car was discovered by divers on May 26 and Gardaí were notified.

"The scene was preserved as the Garda Water Unit conducted a search operation and were able to extract the car from the water the following day. The car is currently being technical examined and has been confirmed as a red Toyota, 98-C-18625.

"During the technical examination of the car, Gardaí discovered skeletal remains. The remains will now be transferred to Cork City Morgue where an examination will be carried out. The local Coroner has also been notified.

"The results of the examination, and DNA analysis by Forensic Science Ireland, will hopefully assist in confirming the identity of the remains."

The car recovered from waters in Crosshaven has been confirmed as Barry Coughlan's.

Barry was last seen in the early hours of May 1 2004 at the former Moonduster Bar in Crosshaven, nearby Hugh Coveney Pier where his car was found.

The red Toyota Corolla was spotted by volunteer divers from Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery on Wednesday evening.

They notified gardai who sealed off the area and launched a search operation involving the water unit on Thursday morning