Gardaí: Skeletal remains found in car identified

The skeletal remains found in a submerged car in Crosshaven last month have been identified as those of a man missing since 2004.

Following a DNA analysis, gardaí confirmed yesterday, Wednesday, that the remains belong to Barry Coughlan who was reported missing more than 17 years ago.

Gardaí discovered the remains in a submerged car off Hugh Coveney Pier in Crosshaven on 26 May 2021.

The car was first discovered by divers who then alerted the gardaí.

The scene was preserved and the Garda Water Unit conducted a search operation and were able to extract the car from the water the following day.

The car was confirmed as a 98-C-18625 red Toyota.

The remains were transferred to Cork City Morgue where an examination was carried out to determine the identity of the remains.

A file will now be prepared for the coroner by investigating gardaí.