Missing Person - Michael Farrell - last seen in September 1994

Gardaí at Wexford are continuing to investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Michael Farrell, a 30 year old married father of three from Donaghmeade in Dublin, who has not been seen since September 1994.

He was employed on contract with B&I Ferries and on the night of 19/09/94 he disappeared as he was working as a film projectionist on the crossing from Rosslare to Pembroke. He ran the first film as scheduled at 8.30pm, but failed to show up for the second film at 10.30pm.

At around the same time, a passenger from whom Michael had borrowed a newspaper earlier in the evening, went to the crew office asking for him in order to have the newspaper returned. Initial searches by his colleagues failed to locate Michael so the captain ordered a full search of the ship. The boat arrived in Pembroke at 00.30 and cars were searched as they disembarked but there was no sign of Michael. The Welsh Coastguard was notified and a search was conducted but there was no trace. A search of the ship revealed Michael’s washbag and belongings were still in his cabin along with his denim jacket.

Michael was last seen walking on board with a colleague at around 10.30pm, (i.e.) the time when he should have been starting the second film. Colleagues who saw him said he was in good form that evening.

Michael’s sister Mary was in studio to make the appeal.

Appeal:

• A number of searches were carried out by the crew on board the vessel but these proved negative.
• The vessel arrived at Pembroke Dock at 11.30am on 20th September 1994 and a further search was conducted which again proved negative
• The Welsh Coastguard were notified along with An Garda Síochána at Wexford Garda Station.
• A full search operation was initiated with the assistance of a lifeboat crew from Milford Haven, Air and Sea Rescue from RAF North Devon and the Irish Marine Services.
• A search of Michael Farrell’s cabin revealed all his belongings were present
• An Interpol Black notice has been created in respect of Michael Farrell and a DNA sample from his family member has been included in the data base
• The Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information of the whereabouts of Michael Farrell to contact them
• Its 25 years since Michael disappeared and his family continue to suffer wonder what happened to their son, husband and father. If anyone has any information even if they think it is of no importance, please contact us and we will speak to you in confidence
• If anyone watching was on board the vessel on the 19th September 1994 and recalls the incident Gardaí would also like to speak with you. 

Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200