Irishman in induced coma after falling ill while swimming in Gran Canaria

Michael McDonald (65) rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive in pool

Michael McDonald was hospitalised while on holiday in Gran Canaria last Tuesday
Michael McDonald was hospitalised while on holiday in Gran Canaria last Tuesday

A Co Longford man has been put in an induced coma in a Spanish hospital after being found unresponsive while swimming.

Michael McDonald (65) was rushed to the Hospital Insular, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria after falling ill during a holiday last Tuesday.

Mark Connolly, a friend of Mr McDonald's, said he came to the man's aid at a private apartment complex in the popular Spanish holiday resort.

“We were in the pool doing laps and I noticed him floating,” said Mr Connolly.

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“I thought he was acting the mick but when I was coming back after doing a second lap he was still floating.

“Myself and a Spanish girl pulled him out and she did CPR on him until he arrived.”

Mr Connolly said the Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family as doctors continue to treat Mr McDonald.