Man who died saving young swimmers at Cork beach named

55-year-old Stephen O’Callaghan from St Luke’s in Cork City had gone to the aid of others at Inch Beach in East Cork

A man in his 50s died after heroically running into the sea to rescue swimmers who got into difficulty at Inch Beach in East Cork. Picture: Guileen Search and Rescue

A man in his 50s died after heroically running into the sea to rescue swimmers who got into difficulty at Inch Beach in East Cork.

Stephen O’Callaghan, aged 55, from Ashburton Hill in St Luke’s in Cork City went to the aid of a group of young people at the popular bathing spot when sea conditions deteriorated at around 2.30pm on Friday afternoon.

While all the swimmers were rescued with the help of others, Mr O’Callaghan is believed to have been swept further out to sea and got caught in a strong undercurrent.

He was eventually brought from the water by volunteers and attempts were made to resuscitate him but he was later pronounced dead.

A number of volunteer units were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard in Valentia, Co Kerry, to help with the rescue operation.

They included the nearby Guileen Search and Rescue and RNLI Crosshaven.

The Irish Community Air Ambulance landed on the beach and the man was transferred to Cork University Hospital but he was pronounced dead by medics.

A person who was on the beach, but did not want to be named, said the sea was very rough at the time, with “breaking surf”.

An autopsy will be carried out on the deceased man, and a file will be prepared for the coroners’ court.

A spokesperson for the Irish Coast Guard said that it was informed of the “serious incident” mid-afternoon on Friday.

Gardaí and the fire service were also at the scene and assistance was offered by the Naval service.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and local emergency services responded to an incident in Inch Strand in Whitegate, Co Cork, shortly before 3pm, Friday.

“A number of people had gotten into difficulty in the water at the location.

“A man, aged in his 50s, was removed from the water. He was later pronounced deceased.

“Arrangements will now be made for a post-mortem and the local coroner has been notified.”