Renowned American soloist Michael Reardon was swept out to sea, whilst climbing on the South West coast of Ireland on Friday. Late in the afternoon on Friday Michael had just finished climbing for the day, and was waiting on a rock platform, when a large wave hit and swept him out to sea. A friend who was taking pictures of Michael climbing raced to the coastguard station, a mile away. When he left, Michael was still conscious in the water. The coastguard took no more than fifteen minutes to reach the scene, but by that time Michael was nowhere to be seen.The air, sea & land search continued into Friday evening and Saturday but on Sunday it was beginning to be scaled back as Michael had not been found and is presumed lost. Michael had been climbing at the sea cliffs of Valentia Island, Co.Kerry. He was a regular visitor to Ireland, he had spent a month climbing there. More information can be found on www.climbing.com where Micheal Reardon kept a problog and on www.climbing.ie.A memorial gathering of his family and friends will take place next Tuesday 17/07 at 4pm on Valentia Island. This gathering will take place at the Fogher Cliffs, adjacent to the Coast Guard Station. All are welcome to attend.
