Gardai in Waterford are investigating the death of a man whose body was found on a cargo ship docked near the city. The discovery was made yesterday by a worker at Belview Port at about 9.30 a.m. as staff unloaded animal feed from the vessel, which had arrived from the Ivory Coast on Sunday.
Gardai believe the body was that of a young African man who may have stowed away on the ship.
He had been dead for at least three weeks.
Insp Jerry Lynch said the ship, the Aura, had been docked in the Ivory Coast between July 27th and August 5th, and sailed from there to Waterford.
Gardai interviewed the captain of the ship yesterday, and it was established that the man was not a member of the crew. Statements were also taken yesterday from the ship's crew.
Staff at the port began unloading the ship some days ago but it was not until yesterday that the hold in which the man had apparently hidden was opened.
His body was taken to Waterford Regional Hospital where a post-mortem is to be carried out today.
Insp Lynch said it was unlikely that the man was carrying identifying documentation. Fingerprint or dental records might be required to establish his identity.
Interpol has been asked to assist in the investigation.
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