Boy, 14, who died in swimming accident in Cork harbour named

Coastguard, Navy and RNLI with gardai at the scene in Mariner's quay Passage West, during the drowning tragedy. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The 14-year-old boy who died in a tragic swimming accident in Cork Harbour this afternoon has been named as Jack O'Sullivan.

The teenager went missing in the water near Passage West while swimming with his friends. It is believed that he may have banged his head.

The alarm was raised shortly after 2pm on Thursday after the Coast Guard received reports that a child had gotten into difficulty in the water.

Jack O'Sullivan, who lived with his family in Deerpark, played in U14 hurling for St Finbarr's GAA club and according to local councillor, Mick Finn, was from a well-respected family. 

He was about to start his second year at Coláiste Éamman Rís in the next few weeks before the tragedy occurred.

He was a "great young fella", was very lively and had a "mischievous smile" and was someone that the community would "always remember", Mr Finn said.

Youngsters gather at Mariner's quay in Passage West, after the drowning tragedy. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Coast guard helicopter R117, Crosshaven RNLI and Crosshaven Coast Guard units attended the incident and were assisted by the Irish Naval Service.

Gardaí have confirmed that the body of the young boy was recovered at 4pm and was taken to Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

The boy was brought ashore by rescue services at Glenbrook, close to the cross-river ferry.

"It's shocking, and it's something that the community is going to find very hard to come to terms with. But they are going to support the family," Mr Finn told the Irish Examiner.

"He was a great young fella; he was one of those fellas who you'd always remember.

"He was a great character, and he will be a huge loss to his pals in his school, who I know are very upset, as well as his fellow club mates at the Barrs, his family, his community and the estate that he lives in."

“The place is reeling from this news. People are really overcome with grief and sadness.

Mr Finn said that supports are being put in place in his school for his friends.