Police have launched a new bid to trace an Irish nun who disappeared in Wales 27 years ago.
Sister Jacinta Bracken of Gorteen, Ballacolla, Co Laois, vanished on May 19, 1979, while shopping for a pair of stockings for her mother's birthday present.
The last positive sighting of the 38-year-old, who was based at the Stella Maris Convent in Swansea, south Wales, was near the city's Quadrant multi-storey car park by two children she taught.
Her handbag was found on the foreshore the next day by a local boatman, about 30ft from the West Pier. A police search was carried out in the area but nothing was ever found.
At first it thought that she may have returned to Ireland, but this theory was ruled out when all her belongings — which included her sailing ticket and cash — were found in the convent.
Inquiries confirmed that no passport was issued or any death registered under her name in the last 27 years.
Det Insp. Andy Hughes, who is overseeing the case for South Wales Police, said: "The disappearance of Sister Jacinta was one of the most talked about cases at its time. "Unfortunately, we are still not able to find her after all these years.
"We are keeping this case open and will be conducting further investigation shortly. "Hopefully, we can get to the answer to it."
Another theory is that she may have drowned, according to an ex-police officer who was involved in the original search. Jenny Brain, who was a detective constable for South Wales Police at the time of the disappearance but has since retired from the force, said it is possible Sister Jacinta, may have fallen into Swansea dock.
PA