Two men have died after falling into the sea in Co Clare while fishing on Tuesday.
The Irish Coast Guard said it was notified of the incident at 2.15pm at the Blue Pool in Pulleen Bay outside Doonbeg.
It is understood the deceased were fishing off the rocks at the time in an area linked to previous tragedies due to sea conditions.
A search was initiated with the Coast Guard helicopter R115 from Shannon, Kilkee Coast Guard Unit, Doolin Coast Guard Unit and the Aran Island Lifeboat on scene.
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“At approximately 4pm, the Coast Guard helicopter R115 located two bodies within the search area identified by MRSC Valentia, after which Aran Island Lifeboat recovered them from the sea as part of the co-ordinated operation,” it said in a statement.
Sea conditions were reported to be very rough at the scene.
“The Coast Guard extends its sincere sympathy to the family of the two anglers who lost their lives today. An Garda Síochána are in the process of liaising with the families of both men.”
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Rita McInerney described the situation as “a huge tragedy” and expressed her “deepest sympathies to the families of the people involved”.
She said the area had been “the scene of quite a number of tragedies in the past” due to “rogue waves”.
“It’s a popular fishing spot in some ways, but it is notoriously dangerous. It has claimed lives in the past, unfortunately.”
