Search resumes in Co Clare for missing Japanese tourist

The body of Ushio Azaki’s husband discovered in coastal area near George’s Head on Sunday

Searches along the shoreline and off the coast of Co Clare have resumed for a missing Japanese tourist.

Ushio Azaki (61) arrived in Ireland from Tokyo on August 18th with her husband Eiji Takagi (63).

His body was discovered on Sunday in Kilkee Bay.

Kilkee and Doolin Coast Guards are involved in the search as are naval divers and divers from Kilkee Sub Aqua Club.

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Weather conditions are moderate in the area.

After arriving in Ireland, the couple hired a car at Shannon airport and stayed at a number of hotels along the west coast.

Walkers noticed the vehicle had not moved from where it was parked at Byrne’s Cove near George’s Head Peninsula outside Kilkee over the course of several days and gardaí were notified.

The pair had checked out of a hotel in Spanish Point, Co Clare, on Saturday, August 22nd, and concern increased when they failed to catch a flight from Shannon airport back to Tokyo, via Heathrow, on Monday August 24th.

Divers from Kilkee Sub Aqua Club found Eiji Takagi’s body while searching a coastal area near George’s Head. The body was located in about 27m (88ft) of water near George’s Head.

Representatives from the Japanese embassy travelled to Kilkee on Sunday where they met with Coast Guard officers and were taken to the Georges Head to view the search operation.

The couple also failed to board a flight from Shannon to London last Monday, August 24th, from where they were due to catch a connecting service to Tokyo.

A shoe believed to belong to a missing Japanese tourist was found washed up on a beach in Co Clare on Monday.

Gardaí at Kilrush can be contacted on 065 908 0550 while anyone with information can also call the Garda Confidential Line 1 800 666 111 or any Garda station.