Tragic end to three-day coastal search

The body of missing Londonderry man Anthony (Tony) Griffiths was found on rocks near Lagg Beach in County Donegal yesterday afternoon following an extensive three-days search.
Tony Griffiths.Tony Griffiths.
Tony Griffiths.

The 59-year-old from the Culmore area of the city, had been missing since Tuesday and was last seen close to Doagh Famine Village in the Isle of Doagh, where he had been camping with family members.

At just before 2 pm yesterday, the search of the area was suspended when a body was found on rocks near Lagg Beach, in an area known locally as Knockamany Point (Bends).

The body was recovered by the Sligo 118 Irish Coastguard helicopter and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for formal identification.

The search involved the Greencastle Coast Guard; Lough Swilly RNLI; the Sligo 118 helicopter and Gardai who were assisted in the land search by members of the community in both Inishowen and Derry, as well as family and friends of Mr. Griffiths. Local farmers and fishermen also assisted.

Inishowen Garda Inspector David Murphy thanked all those involved in the search before its suspension.

He said it had been a “fantastic community effort” over the three days.

Inspector Murphy said Gardai had also been making continued efforts to extend the search and had received offers of assistance from right across the country.

He added how a number of businesses in the Inishowen area also helped extensively, particularly The Barmouth Cafe in Isle of Doagh, run by the owners of the Doagh Famine Village.

Inspector Murphy said the premises provided shelter and refreshments during the search.

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