Man plucked from a river dies after rush to hospital

A MAN plucked from the River Erne in the Ballyshannon area of Co. Donegal, yesterday has died, gardaí have confirmed.

He was spotted by a passer-by in the water at the Ballyshannon estuary just after midday.

The emergency services were quickly notified by the Malin Head Coast Guard station which co-ordinated the rescue.

Members of the Rescue 118 helicopter rescue team, along with gardaí and members of the Bundoran Lifeboat crew rushed to the scene and began a search for the man.

After an intensive search, he was eventually spotted at 1.20pm and taken from the water.

He was rushed to Sligo University Hospital by ambulance but was later pronounced dead.

Weather conditions during the search were very difficult with heavy rain and gusting winds.

The man’s name had not been released by last night as the authorities sought to inform his family.