LATEST: Details of overnight search revealed after body of missing walker recovered
SEMRA revealed details of their overnight search that resulted in a sad conclusion
The South East Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) have extended their condolences after the body of a man was found in the Galtee mountains on Monday. He had died as a result of an accident.
As previously reported, An Garda Síochána confirmed that the body of a man was discovered on Monday morning following a search in the Galtymore area.
In a statement, SEMRA said it was tasked by gardaí shortly before 9pm on Sunday after a walker who had headed for Galtymore earlier that day failed to return and could not be contacted. The person's car remained at the Black Road car park, prompting the search operation.
SEMRA members responded alongside An Garda Síochána, the Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) (SARDA) and Tipperary Civil Defence. A Coast Guard helicopter was also tasked but was unable to assist due to low cloud and poor visibility.
Gardaí checked alternative access points at Kings Yard and Cush car park while mountain rescue volunteers and two SARDA search dog teams searched areas where lost walkers are most commonly found.
Just after midnight, SARDA search dog Ziggy, with handler Mick, indicated on steep ground where a hat and walking pole were located. The discovery prompted rescuers to shift the focus of the search to the Lough Diheen area.
The search teams relocated to Cush car park before making their way to Lough Diheen at around 3am. SEMRA said the terrain was too steep and conditions too dangerous to search down to the lake from above in darkness and heavy mist. Although the Civil Defence drone team was able to deploy a drone over the lake, visibility remained extremely poor.
Shortly before 6am, the walker was found, sadly deceased.
Two SEMRA members remained with the deceased while other team members returned to retrieve a stretcher and specialist heights equipment required for the recovery. The operation concluded at around 11am when the deceased was carried from the mountain and transferred into the care of the undertaker.
Paying tribute to all those involved in the operation, SEMRA said: "Team members, SARDA and Civil Defence worked through the night to find the walker, but it was a sad outcome.
"Our thoughts are with the family at such a tragic time."