The remains discovered on a beach at Waterfoot, in the Glens of County Antrim have been positively identified as those of Peter Wilson (21) from Belfast. He murdered by the IRA and buried on the beach nearly 40 years ago.
 
He was abducted by the IRA just after he left his home in west Belfast in August 1973. He is the ninth “Disappeared” victim to be recovered. Mr Wilson was an unemployed, 21-year-old with learning disabilities. He left home in Beechmount, west Belfast and was never seen again.
 
The Commission for the Location of Victim’s Remains (ICLVR) said “The results positively indicate that the remains are those of Mr Peter Wilson.
 
“The Coroners Service for Northern Ireland has accepted this as evidence of identification and has authorized the release of the remains to the family.
 
“The thoughts of everyone in the commission are with the Wilson family at this difficult time.”
 
The ICLVR was behind the search which found the remains on November 2.
 
The Wilson family had always believed that the IRA were behind Mr Wilson’s murder but they had never officially admitted to it. A new search by the ICLVR prompted a tip-off from within the republican movement.
 
Mr Wilson’s mother, brother and sisters often visited the seaside town of Waterfoot without realizing that he was buried there. A statement released by the family said “Peter would never have travelled far. He would always have stayed close to home.
 
“We are comforted that we will finally be able to bring him home for a Christian burial in order that he may rest in peace.”
 
It continued “Peter was a much loved son and brother. When he went missing we were left not knowing what had happened. He was very close to our mother and we know she suffered in silence for the 34 years of her life that he was missing.”