Three bodies recovered off Waterford coast

Three fishermen have died after their fishing vessel overturned at sea, gardaí have confirmed.

The tragedy happened off Tramore, Co Waterford, this evening.

It is understood the three victims are members of the same family.

A spokeswoman for the Irish Coast Guard said all three bodies have been recovered and all units are standing down.

A Garda spokeswoman confirmed all three men have been pronounced dead.

The alarm was raised at 5.45pm when local fishermen noticed the 20-foot punt had not returned to shore.

It had last been seen at lunchtime about half a mile off Brownstown Head, between Tramore Bay and Dunmore East.

A RNLI spokeswoman said crews were launched and the rescue helicopter discovered the first body by 5.55pm.

The second man was recovered by Dunmore East RNLI shortly after and the third body found by 6.10pm.

The Irish Coast Guard said winds were west to south west force four during the recovery operation.

“The Waterford-based Coast Guard helicopter, Dunmore East Lifeboat and Tramore Lifeboat were immediately tasked to the scene and en-route to Brownstown Head, the helicopter spotted the stricken vessel,” a spokeswoman said.

“The vessel was semi-submerged in the water.

“The Waterford helicopter and Dunmore East lifeboat have now recovered the bodies of all three persons and they have been transported to the care of the HSE.

“All Coast Guard Units have now been stood down.”