Tragedy as swimmer Cian, 21, dies

A STUDENT who died after he got into difficulty in the water was named yesterday as Cian Nugent.

The 21-year-old had been among a group swimming at Whiting Bay at Ardmore, Co Waterford on Friday.

He and four pals were around 150m from shore when they got into difficulty.

An onlooker raised the alarm and Youghal RNLI launched.

Two of the swimmers made it back to the shore and two were rescued. Cian, from Old Parish near Dungarvan, was found after a search and airlifted to Cork University Hospital but was pronounced dead.

He was an engineering student in University College Cork.

Councillor in Old Parish Seamus O’Donnell said the community ‘’is in total shock at the tragedy”.

He added: “I extend my sincere sympathy to Cian’s family.”

Locals described Cian “as a gentleman” who often returned home from college to help out on the family farm at weekends. A RNLI spokesperson said: “Youghal RNLI was requested to launch its inshore lifeboat at 1.25pm following a request by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the aid of three swimmers thought to be difficulty 150m from the shore in Whiting Bay near Youghal Harbour.

“The alarm was raised by a member of the public. Two of the swimmers made it to shore unaided and the lifeboat began a search for the third swimmer.

“The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 117 from Waterford was also tasked along with the Coast Guard shore units from Youghal and Ardmore.

“Youghal RNLI located the casualty and brought them onboard the lifeboat.

“The casualty was then airlifted by helicopter and transferred to Cork University Hospital.”

Cian Nugent