SEARCH STOPPED 

Major search for missing person in Galway stood down as Met Eireann issue warnings amid ‘all assistance’ plea tomorrow

A SEARCH operation for a missing person in Galway has been stood down today after several new weather warnings were issued, with volunteers asked to return tomorrow.

The search was launched last Thursday, March 5, after a person was reported entering the waters of the River Corrib.

Several search teams and emergency service units, including Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit, Doolin Coast Guard, Cleggan Coast Guard and Rescue Helicopter 115, have been involved in the search all week.

Local gardai and fire service units have also been assisting.

On Monday, Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit issued an appeal for members of the public to help with the search.

Over the week, volunteers have helped the unit search surrounding areas.

However, today’s search has been stood down, with organisers asking volunteers to return tomorrow.

In a statement online, a spokesperson for the unit said: “Unfortunately no success today.

“We will not be searching tomorrow, Thursday.

“However, we will continue with our search on Friday, 13th March at 3pm, meeting at the Galway Bay Sailing Club. H91 W678.

“We cannot thank our Zone Leaders, Boat Crew, Drone Operators, and Base team enough.

“And indeed all our SAR colleagues involved, along with many volunteers who have walked the shorelines with us.

“All assistance on Friday would be hugely appreciated by OMCSU and the family of the missing person.”

The search was likely called off due to worsening weather conditions.

Met Eireann has issued several Status Yellow weather warnings across the country today.

Weather bosses have warned of heavy showers and even some sleet or snow, with some accumulations possible, mainly on higher ground.

They said the conditions could lead to difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

The snow and ice warning applies to counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Wicklow.

The warning is valid from 9pm this evening until 9am tomorrow morning.

Met Eireann has also issued a nationwide Status Yellow wind warning due to strong and gusty southwesterly winds.

That alert came into effect at midnight and will remain in place until 6pm this evening.

Meanwhile, counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow and all of Connacht have been under a Status Yellow rain warning since 6am.

The alert will remain in place until 3pm this afternoon.

The UK Met Office has also placed all six counties under Yellow wind warnings, which will expire at 12pm today.