Girl (14) drowns as swimming trip turns to tragedy
A TEENAGE girl has died in a drowning accident at Seapoint beach in Co Louth.
The girl got into difficulty while swimming at the beach in Termonfeckin.
It is understood the 14-yearold was swimming with friends yesterday afternoon when the alarm was raised, just before 3pm.
The coastguard attended the scene and she was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
A spokesperson for the Irish Coastguard told the Irish Independent: “We got a call at 14.34 from Dublin Coastguard.
“The girl was in a group of three who were swimming and only two came back.”
A lifeboat was called and the R116 helicopter was dispatched from Dublin just after 3pm.
The girl was spotted in the water and a winch was used to recover her from the sea.
She was taken from the water to the beach and rushed to hospital.
“It seems as if she was caught by a riptide,” the Irish Coastguard said.
Gardaí later confirmed that the girl had passed away in hospital.
Clogherhead Coastguard issued a statement on Facebook: “Clogherhead Coastguard unit would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the teenage girl who passed away this evening following a tragic accident at Termonfeckin beach today. We would like to thank everyone who assisted our team today Rescue 116, Clogherhead lifeboat and Skerries lifeboat.”
Local Labour councillor Michelle Hall said people were deeply saddened by the death.
“The beach is a popular destination for teenagers at this time of year, especially with the warm weather predicted for this week,” he said. “It’s unthinkable that something so tragic should happen.”
Liz Maher (39), from nearby Ballivor, was enjoying a day at Seapoint Beach with her husband Colin (41) when they saw the rescue helicopter circling overhead. “I saw the winch man hanging down looking into the water. I was hoping it was a drill,” Mr Maher said.
The sprawling sandy beach was all but deserted by teatime when the clouds moved in.
Jamie Carroll (42), from Ardee had no idea of the accident that took place just hours before. “I’ve been coming here for 20 years and there’s never been a problem,” he said. “It’s a shallow enough beach and generally calm.”