Search for missing hiker in Kerry moves north from Mt Brandon after discovery of bag in Banna

Rescue crews had spent seven days carrying out an extensive search of Mount Brandon for a Polish man who was first reported missing last Tuesday.

Polish man Sebastian Jaworski (46), who is based in Cork, has been missing since Sunday, June 23.

Several sightings from the public which have helped rescue crews with their search put the hiker at the top of Mount Brandon on Sunday afternoon around 3pm.

New information came to light last night that now puts the man also close to Lough Dhubh on the way down from Brandon. Following the discovery of what is believed to be his personal belongings today, Tuesday, July ,2 at Banna the search location has now changed.

Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue Unit, Banna Rescue and the Coastguard Helicopter along with several other volunteer rescue crews are now searching along the coast in the hope of finding the missing man.

It is believed that the man may have walked to Sás Creek northeast of Mt Brandon where, it is feared, he may have ended up in the water.

His car was located in Faha car park immediately east of Mount Brandon on Tuesday last, June 23.

Since then, a major search operation has been underway with Kerry Mountain Rescue, Dingle Coastguard and the Coastguard Helicopter. They are also being assisted by the Search and Rescue dog unit.

Frank Heidtke from Dingle Cliff and Rescue said the search has been going on for seven days. It has been hampered by bad weather.

He told The Kerryman that new information has now changed the focus of the search.

“The search is now closer to the coastline. We are searching from Banna to Brandon Pier,” he said.

Gardaí confirmed that following the discovery of personal property on Banna beach, the search operation for a missing male hiker in his 40s is now being concentrated along the coastline and the search on Mount Brandon has, at this time, been stood down.

An Garda Síochána continues to search with assistance from other agencies, including the Coast Guard, along the coast of the Brandon Point area of the Dingle Peninsula.

Anyone sailing in Brandon-Maharees-Banna have been asked to keep their eyes open for anything unusual.