EIGHTY experienced divers have joined search efforts in Baltimore today as operations escalate in the search for Barry Davis Ryan.
The 21 year old has been missing since last Tuesday.
West Cork Underwater Search and Rescue described the response to an appeal for assistance earlier this week as ‘absolutely amazing’, with more than 150 volunteers getting in touch.
Diving began this morning from 6am.
Approximately 80 divers have travelled from all over Ireland to join the team, while dozens of locals have contributed food, accommodation and support.
John Kearney of the Cork Underwater Search and Rescue described the response as ‘absolutely amazing’.
“It was more than I ever thought possible. We have approximately 80 divers and if it was a weekend, we would have even more.”
Mr Kearney said the group has been inundated with offers of accommodation and food, in addition to offers of support from the owners of boats and kayaks in the area.
“All in all, on our side of things, we have probably 150 volunteers.”
This number includes locals who will be distributing food on the pier in Baltimore, help from local shops, including Cotters in Baltimore and Field’s Supervalu in Skibbereen, and the countless number of people who have offered their holiday homes or rooms in their houses to divers who are travelling from all over the country.
Mr Kearney said, “Divers are coming from north Mayo, Roscommon, Loughrea, Dundalk, Dublin, Kilkenny and Kerry, with loads of Cork groups too. I was shocked at the number of people who were willing to come forward.”
However, the window of calm weather which had initially been forecast to last from Thursday until Sunday has now been cut short with further unsettled conditions expected over the coming days.
Mr Kearney said, “Friday is deteriorating every hour, Saturday is desperate, Sunday is iffy and Monday is a no-go. We are looking at a 24 hour window.”
On-shore searches have continued throughout the week, though the poor weather means that divers have not managed to get into the water since last Sunday.
In order to maximise the efforts of the search, local fishermen have plotted ground lines so that divers have a route to follow.
Mr Kearney said the group aims to cover a vast area in a short space of time.
“Search and rescue divers will cover a vast area. We will have over 200 dives done.”