Storm’s first victim is Irish

A 33-YEAR-OLD Irishman is presumed dead after being swept out to sea by a “huge” Hurricane Katia wave as the storm hit the US before arriving in Ireland last night.

Katia is believed to have claimed its first fatality as Thomas Clarke from Co Cavan, was hit by a giant wave in Monhegan Island, Maine, while sightseeing by the ocean before a wedding at which his friend was the groom.

Mr Clarke was dragged into the sea at around 1pm local time (6pm Irish time) on Friday while walking on rocks close to a cave near Norton Lodge.

The hurricane has caused 21ft waves in the state.

US coastguards said two men dived in to try to save him but got into difficulties themselves before swimming back to shore.

Rescuers found Mr Clarke’s camera bag and shoes but not his body. They searched for Mr Clarke for 30 hours before calling off their search. They said there was a “negligible” chance he would have survived.

Mr Clarke was not understood to have been travelling with any family members.

Two of his brothers flew out to Maine on Saturday. His parents remained in Ireland.

A lady who was with Mr Clarke’s group was so upset after the incident that she had to be airlifted off the island by a coastguard helicopter.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said: “We’re providing consular assistance to the family.”