An Irishman has drowned while trying to save his daughter in Australia.
The man aged 45, was trying to rescue his daughter, aged 11, who got into difficulty while swimming in water in New South Wales, Australia.
A couple and three children were in the shallow water at Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head about 6.30pm yesterday evening, when their 11-year-old daughter was swept out to sea on a body board.
The beach was not manned by lifeguards at the time.
The man swam out to her, but was unable to return to shore. His wife also swam out and she and the girl were able to reach the beach and alert authorities.
Upon arriving at the scene, two police officers entered the water in an attempt to find the man, but were unsuccessful. The man was brought to shore at about 7pm by surf lifesavers.
New South Wales Ambulance paramedics started CPR, but were unable to revive the man, who was pronounced dead at scene.
The Irish victim has not yet been named.
The woman and her daughter were treated by paramedics and allowed to go home.
The family is from the area, while officers alerted the Irish Consulate of the man’s death.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance.
