Search fails to recover missing rock climber

AN intensive search in the sea off Valentia, Co Kerry, during the weekend failed to find any trace of missing American rock climber Michael Reardon.

The internationally known “free climber” who did not use ropes or other aids was washed into the sea by a rogue wave, on the northern side of Valentia island on Friday evening.

His wife, Marci, and daughter, Nikki, 13, flew in from the US yesterday and were being comforted by friends at the scene last evening.

A memorial service, expected to be attended by the rock-climbing fraternity, is due to be held in Valentia tomorrow.

A Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter, Valentia lifeboat, the local Coast Guard, Garda and naval service divers, local boats, Killarney water rescue and other volunteers assisted in the search.

Mr Reardon was taking part in a photo shoot for international magazines, including National Geographic and Bord Fáilte, when the accident occurred.

“He was standing at the bottom of a cliff when he was struck at the back of the knees by a wave and that was it,” said a friend, Con Moriarty, a prominent mountaineer from the Gap of Dunloe, Killarney.

Mr Moriarty said Mr Reardon, in his mid-thirties, loved climbing in Ireland, especially sea cliffs.

He was accompanied by leading photographer, Damon Carso, who was covering his exploits for a number of international magazines.

It is believed the two had descended 400 feet at Wireless Point and were at sea level when the wave struck Mr Riordan, knocking him over and into the sea.

Over the past month, Mr Riordan had climbed throughout Ireland at well-known crags from Fair Head, in Co Antrim, to the Gap of Dunloe.

The accident has shocked the rock climbing community. The search is due to continue today.