Kayak trip ends in tragedy as young woman drowns
A KAYAKING trip ended in tragedy yesterday after a woman become separated from the rest of her group and drowned in a fast-moving river.
Her body was found near the village of Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry, yesterday and has since been recovered from the water.
Other members of the kayaking party were being comforted by friends and family last night. They have spoken to gardaí.
The alarm was raised shortly after 12 noon. The Coast Guard, fire service volunteers, gardaí, paramedics and other members of the emergency services went to the scene.
The tragedy occurred on a stretch of the Roughty river, a kilometre from the village where TDs Danny and Michael Healy-Rae run a pub and a store.
An extensive search was conducted and the remains of the woman were recovered. It is understood the victim was in her mid 30s and from Cork. Gardaí said inquires are continuing.
It is believed she was part of a group of five people who were kayaking on the deep-cut river that flows into Kenmare and, with its challenging rapids, it is a very popular spot for kayaking enthusiasts.
Danny Healy-Rae said it was an ‘appalling tragedy’ that has left everybody in the village very shocked and saddened. He said there was ‘a cloud over the place’ since news of yesterday’s tragic accident spread.
Mr Healy-Rae said: ‘On behalf of the whole community of Kilgarvan and the surrounding areas I wish to commiserate on their behalf to the family and the loves ones and the friends of the poor girl that has lost her life.
‘It’s an awful tragedy for people who came down from Cork. To think that she won’t go back home alive is very sad.
Mr Healy-Rae also said: ‘We were amazed that it could happen on a day like this. It’s really dreadful that something which started out being fun finished up in the loss of life.’