Irish Coast Guard Recovers Body in Galway Bay Amid Search

URGENT UPDATE: A body has been recovered from the shoreline of Galway Bay in North Clare by personnel from the Irish Coast Guard. This discovery comes as a major search effort was underway for Conor Harrington, a missing University of Galway student, who was last seen on October 15, 2023.

The 20-year-old from Carrickmacross was reportedly last spotted near the Salmon Weir pedestrian and cycle bridge at approximately 9:30 PM on the evening of his disappearance. Following his report as missing, an extensive search operation mobilized multiple agencies, including the Galway RNLI inshore lifeboat, the Galway City Fire and Rescue Service, and the National Ambulance Service.

On the morning of October 23, at around 10:30 AM, the Coast Guard received a report of a body on the shore in Gleninagh. Watch officers at the marine rescue coordination center on Valentia Island immediately alerted the Doolin unit and local Gardaí, who rushed to the scene. The body was subsequently recovered and transported to a local farmhouse pending the arrival of an undertaker.

The remains were then moved by hearse to the mortuary at University Hospital Limerick, where a postmortem examination and formal identification will take place.

In the days leading up to this discovery, search efforts intensified, involving Civil Defence units from Galway, Mayo, and Clare, as well as various local vessels deploying boats and jetskis. Aerial searches were conducted by Coast Guard drone teams, and helicopters, including Rescue 115 and Rescue 120F, supported the operation over several days.

The coordinated response extended to land, air, and sea, with the overall operation managed by watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination center.

This tragic event has deeply affected the community, as family and friends await news on the identity of the recovered body. The search highlighted the commitment and collaboration of local agencies and volunteers in their efforts to locate Conor Harrington.

As of now, authorities continue to handle the situation with sensitivity, focusing on the next steps for formal identification and supporting the grieving family. Further updates will follow as the investigation and formal procedures progress.

Stay informed as this story develops, and please share this article to raise awareness of the ongoing situation.