At Ballybunion beach in County Kerry, two drowning victims, both reported to be in their 40s, have passed away.
It is believed that they were a brother and sister who were tourists in the area.
Soon after 6 o’clock yesterday, when the man washed up on the shore, a teenager called the authorities.
The Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue service in the area provided assistance with the rescue operation, and the Rescue 115 helicopter was on the site.
The man was given CPR by members of Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue and the Ballybunion Coast Guard unit, however he was declared dead shortly after.
At the same time, Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue searched the water and recovered the woman, and transferred her to the beach.
CPR was also carried out on the woman, but she too was pronounced dead.
The University Hospital in Kerry has received both bodies for post-mortem examinations.
A garda investigation will be carried out and a file for a coroner’s inquest will be prepared.