The search for a missing Cork man continued off the coast of Clare yesterday amid a public appeal by his family for him to reassure them as to his safety.
Mr Stefan Punch (25) is an heir to Punch Industries, a 152 year-old Cork-owned business, producing shoe-care and fabric-care products, which employ over 400 people worldwide.
Stefan left Cork and took the ferry across the Shannon from Tarbert a fortnight ago. His car, a green Hyundai Accent, was discovered the next day at a car-park at the Cliffs of Moher in Clare. But there have been possible sightings of him on Innishmore in the Aran Islands on August 28th and 29th and in Doolin, Co Clare on August 30th.
Yesterday his brother, John, issued an emotional appeal to Stefan to contact either a member of his family or a friend. The youngest of five children - with three sisters and one brother - the young Cork man was described by his brother as easygoing and outgoing. The emergency services and the Valentia coastguard continued to search the area surrounding the Clare coast yesterday for any clue as to Mr Punch's whereabouts.
Described as being around five feet, 11 inches, of slim build, with dark brown hair and tanned skin, Mr Punch was last seen wearing a dark blue check shirt, green baggy combat trousers and brown sailing shoes.
The Garda can be contacted at 021 4811333 or 021 4821002.