Second diver in a month dies after getting into difficulty off the coast of Co Donegal, Ireland
A Belgian diver in his 50s has reportedly died after getting into difficulty off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland.
According to local reports, a highly experienced technical diver from Antwerp, was diving approximately 19 miles from Tory Island, a popular dive spot off the northern coast of Co Donegal, famous for the 1884 wreck of HMS Wasp, when he got into difficulty.
The diver from the Antwerp-based Duikschool Amphora dive club, was pulled from the water by a crew from Malin Head Coast Guard shortly after 1 pm on Monday afternoon.
He was airlifted to Letterkenny University Hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead.
Following the incident, a spokesperson from An Garda SÃochána (the Irish police service) said, ‘Gardai were alerted to an incident in the water North West of Donegal on Monday afternoon, 22nd July 2024. A male in his 50s got into difficulty in the water.
‘He was removed from the water by Malin Coastguard and brought to Letterkenny University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. A file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.’
Milford Councillor Declan Meehan said, ‘This is a huge tragedy for the family and friends of the man involved and we send our condolences to them,’ adding, ‘I also want to pay tribute to the Coastguard who responded to this situation.’
The tragedy occurred almost a month to the day after 49-year-old Patrick Doran died during the North West Dive Rally, also held in County Donegal. Mr Doran’s 60-year-old dive buddy survived after being rescued and treated for decompression sickness.
