‘Devastating loss' – Second swimming tragedy as two teens die while swimming in separate incidents
Emergency services recovered the body of a teenager after getting into difficulty in the water near a popular beach in Co Meath last night.
While Peter Byrne (17) tragically died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Barrow in Co Carlow on Tuesday.
Separately in Co Dublin, four teenagers were injured after getting into difficulty in the water in two separate incidents in Howth.
A search operation was launched yesterday evening by emergency services after receiving reports of a male in difficulty in the water at Laytown, Co Meath at 6.15pm.
It's understood the boy was swimming with friends in the River Nanny near Laytown beach.
The body of a young male was recovered from water by the coastguard and his remains were taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan where a post mortem will take place.
Gardaí say they are aware of videos of this incident that are currently in circulation and are requesting footage and imagery not to be shared.
Condolences have been offered to the family of the teenager for their 'devastating loss', local representatives said.
Minister of State and Meath East TD Thomas Byrne said it was 'devastating to hear of the tragic death of a teenage boy' in Laytown.
'My heart goes out to his family, friends, all those who were around Laytown tonight, and all who are grieving,' he said on X.
'A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss.'
Local East Meath Cllr Carol Lennon said: "The loss of life in tragic circumstances is devastating and we, as a community want to offer our sincere condolences to the families of the boys involved in the tragedy that occurred in the River Nanny on Friday night.
'What started as a great summer's day ended with the loss of a young life, a teen, enjoying the first tasters of Summer of 2025.
"I would personally like to thank the emergency services who attended so fast and showed great compassion to the friends and families at the scene'.
Councillor Sharon Tolan said 'a dark cloud' was hanging over the community on Friday night.
'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic accident in Laytown,' she said on Facebook.
'Please think long and hard before posting any commentary on any social media pages.'
Meanwhile, the funeral of teenager Peter Byrne (17) who died swimming in Milford, Co Carlow will take place on Monday.
Mr Byrne was swimming with two of his friends when he got into difficulty.
The young man's body was recovered at 11.30pm Tuesday night by divers from the Garda Water Unit within a 10 metre radius of where he was last seen.
"It is with a very heavy and broken heart that we share the devastating news of the passing of our much beloved youths player Peter Byrne who tragically passed away this week,' read a statement from New Oak F.C.
"Peter was a pocket rocket in the team over the last number of years. Small in stature but big in personality. He was a huge character with a touch of Roy Keane about him, not afraid of anything or anyone.
"Peter was the life and soul of the dressing room and training and will be sadly missed by his coaches Ernie, Danny and all his teammates who have not only lost a fellow player but a friend.
"On behalf of everyone at New Oak F.C we would like to offer our deepest condolences to Peter's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who loved him.
May Peter's gentle soul rest in peace.'
In Dublin, the Howth RNLI volunteer crew were involved in a multi-agency response to two cliff rescues off the coast of Howth, North Co Dublin, on Thursday afternoon.
They received reports of three children cut off by the tide near Lion's Head, which is a popular swimming spot on the south side of the Howth peninsula, close to the Bailey Lighthouse.
Shortly before 4.30pm, the inshore lifeboat was launched by the RNLI, with three crew on board, assisted by the Howth Coast Guard Unit and Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116, who quickly made their way to the scene amid moderate sea conditions.
Two teenagers, who were stranded on the cliff, were located by the Howth Coast Guard cliff team.
As the team tried to recover one of the injured teenagers, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dublin, which coordinated the rescue, asked the lifeboat crew to remain on standby.
While on scene, the lifeboat was diverted to a separate emergency nearby where a teenager had fallen from cliffs at White Water Brook, a remote beach below cliffs on the eastern side of the peninsula.
The lifeboat crew were directed by beachgoers to a teenager, who had fallen approximately six metres onto rocks at the water's edge, sustaining multiple lacerations and suspected fractures.
A second teenager had swum to assist him and was holding him steady on a rock when the lifeboat arrived at the scene.
The lifeboat crew made their way across rocks to assess the injured teen, assisted by the Howth Coast Guard and Howth All-Weather lifeboat.
However, due to the swiftly rising tide, the injured teen needed to be immediately evacuated by a helicopter.
The Rescue 116 deployed its winchman, who assessed the teen's injuries and secured him in a rescue harness, winching them both to safety.
The second teenager was showing the signs of hypothermia and was assisted across the rocks and brought aboard the inshore life
boat.
He was later transferred to the lifeboat and taken to Howth Lifeboat Station, where he was handed into the care of an ambulance crew and transported to the hospital.
Helm of the inshore lifeboat, Killian O'Reilly, said: 'This was a challenging afternoon with two serious incidents in quick succession, both in difficult, rocky locations.'
"On a sunny summer's day, it's easy to underestimate the risks around the coastline – but the sea and cliffs can be unforgiving.
"The teamwork shown between the RNLI, Coast Guard units, and Rescue 116 was exceptional and ensured the best possible outcome in tough circumstances,' he added.
He urged the public to be aware of the dangers and know what to do where they might find themselves in difficulty in the water, especially during this spell of hot weather.
'Air temperatures may feel warm, but water temperatures are cold enough year-round to trigger cold-water shock. If you get into difficulty, remember float to live: tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally.
"Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety,' he added.
The members of the public are advised to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if they or someone else gets into difficulty near the coast.
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