The search for a Japanese tourist who went missing along with her husband in Co Clare over a week ago is to resume this morning.
Navy divers are to join the search for Ushio Azaki (61) who arrived in Ireland from Tokyo on August 18th with her husband Eiji Takagi (63).
His body was discovered yesterday in Kilkee Bay.
After arriving in Ireland, the couple hired a car at Shannon airport and stayed at a number of hotels along the west coast.
Walkers noticed the vehicle had not moved from where it was parked at Byrne’s Cove near George’s Head Peninsula outside Kilkee over the course of several days and gardaí were notified.
The pair had checked out of a hotel in Spanish Point, Co Clare, on Satuday, August 22nd, and concern increased when they failed to catch a flight from Shannon airport back to Tokyo, via Heathrow, last Monday.
Valentia Coastguard yesterday confirmed members of the Burren Sub Aqua club had found a body while searching a coastal area near George’s Head.
It is understood the body was found below the cliff in water that was about 27 metres deep.
The remains were placed on board a rescue boat and brought ashore at a slipway in Kilkee.
The body was taken to University Hospital Limerick, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out today. Authorities have been in contact with Japanese embassy in Dublin.
Along with search and rescue teams from Lough Derg, Ennis and Aughinish, local coast guard units from Kilkee, Doolin and Ballybunion were involved the week-long search, along with Civil Defence teams from Clare and Laois.
Coast guard crews from Valentia, Clare Civil Defence, local volunteers and members of Limerick Marine Search and Rescue also helped.
Searches continued yesterday but diving was suspended at 5.30pm, with no sign of a second body.
Cadaver dogs
A Coast Guard spokesman said cadaver dogs were used in the search effort.
Drone technology has also been used during the operation.
George’s Head is a geographical point of interest often visited by tourists due to its location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.