05/12/2008

Swiss Holidaymaker Drowns Off Cork Coast

One man has died and nine others have been rescued after their boat capsized off the coast of west Cork.

The 10 people, who are believed to be Swiss, developed engine trouble while travelling from Schull to Coney Island.

The boat capsized less than a mile from the Cork coast at approximately 1.45am.

One man managed to swim to Long Island and alerted one of the only two people living on the island. He then called the coast guard from the islander's house.

The coast guard received the call at 2am and alerted all units, including the coast guard helicopter based at Shannon, and lifeboats from Baltimore and Castletownbere.

All volunteer coast guard units were also contacted, however, one man has since been confirmed dead while another needed medical attention when the nine were recovered from the water by 3.30am before being taken to Bantry General Hospital. All have now been discharged.

The men involved are all in their 50s and 60s and were believed to be travelling to Coney Island for a holiday.

(DW)

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