The heroes need help: Finding a home for Cork's search and recovery volunteers

The volunteers of Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery make one simple promise to the families of missing persons: “We will never give up" - Now they are asking Cork City Council to help find them a home.

Cork City Missing Persons Search & Recovery Unit: Chris O'Donovan, David Shine, Filipe Pombinho, Dinny Kielyand Dave Varian. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

It's a beautiful morning on the old Port of Cork premises, as volunteers from Cork City Missing Persons’ Search and Recovery (CCMPSAR) suit up in wet-gear and life jackets and head down the slipway to their boats, the Nora Flynn and the Aidan Brearten, both donated to the group, and both named after people lost to the Lee.

This is CCMPSAR’s 20th anniversary, and its trained volunteers help the gardaí and the Irish Coast Guard, and return loved ones to their families, giving them some closure and peace.