Boy (9) pulled from sea on Sunday dies in hospital

Aaron O’Flaherty fell into the water at fishing spot near Blackhead in Co Clare

Aaron O’Flaherty was airlifted to hospital on Sunday after falling into the sea in Co Clare.  Photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times
Aaron O’Flaherty was airlifted to hospital on Sunday after falling into the sea in Co Clare. Photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times

A nine-year-old Limerick boy, who was in critical condition in hospital after being rescued from the sea last weekend, has died.

Aaron O'Flaherty, who is the son of Limerick Civil Defence Officer Cecilia O'Flaherty, was airlifted to hospital on Sunday after falling into the sea in Co Clare.

The nine-year-old from Childers’ Road, Limerick, fell into the water at a popular fishing spot near the lighthouse at Blackhead in Ballyvaughan at about 9pm last Sunday.

The Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard was on the scene within minutes, while the Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter and Galway and Kilkee lifeboats were also dispatched.

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The boy was found unconscious approximately 500m off-shore.

He was airlifted to University Hospital Galway and but was then transferred to hospital in Dublin, where he was on a life support machine in a critical condition.