THE BODY OF a man being exhumed from a grave in North Wales is believed to be an Irishman who went missing 33 years ago.

Joseph Brendan Dowley was living in London when he disappeared.

After visiting family in Ireland in October 1985, the 63-year-old was last seen when a relative drove him to the ferry terminal.

Dowley’s disappearance has remained a mystery for the last 33 years.

The exhumation follows a protracted investigation under Operation Orchid where detectives from North Wales Police are using the latest DNA technology to help identify human remains discovered in the region over the last five decades.

DC Don Kenyon, who is leading the investigation, said, “We combine the latest advances in DNA technology and traditional investigative methods to help conclude enquiries started years ago to help bring some closure to families who have lived with uncertainty for such a long time.

Criminality is not suspected in any of the cases and the focus of the operation is simply to identify, reunite and allow the dignity of a funeral service for family and friends to pay their respects.

Body discovered 

During the morning of 9 November 1985 an airman from nearby RAF Valley was running on the shoreline of Rhosneigr beach when he discovered the body of a man who appeared to have been brought ashore on the tide.

Despite an extensive police investigation at the time all enquiries made to identify him proved fruitless and a subsequent coronial inquest returned an ‘open verdict’.

His death was not treated as suspicious and he was subsequently interred at Menai Bridge cemetery, Anglesey.

DC Kenyon explained:

As a result of our investigations, and with the assistance of the Missing Person Bureau and the gardaí in Ireland, we now believe there is a strong possibility the remains are those of Joseph Brendon Dowley, a 63-year-old Irish citizen living at the time in London.

The purpose of the exhumation is to gain a DNA profile for comparison with the DNA of family members of Dowley.

If the identity is confirmed, it’s hoped it will bring the family closure and a funeral service will be held in Ireland.