Northern Ireland

Co Down man dies after being pulled from sea off the Cornwall coast

Emergency services were called to Prussia Cove between Helston and Penzance
Emergency services were called to Prussia Cove between Helston and Penzance Emergency services were called to Prussia Cove between Helston and Penzance

A MAN from Co Down has died after being pulled from the sea off the Cornwall coast.

The victim, who is believed to be from the Newry area, is believed to have gotten into difficulty while swimming in the water near Penzance on Friday.

Emergency services were called to Prussia Cove between Helston and Penzance shortly before 1pm.

Police, rescue teams, paramedics and the air ambulance all attended the scene, as well as two lifeboats and the coastguard's search and rescue helicopter.

In a statement, a Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said the man was "recovered from the water by a lifeguard and treated by ambulance".

"He was taken to Praa Sands and was sadly confirmed deceased a short time later," he said.

It is understood police had been making efforts to trace the man's family following his death.

They later confirmed that the victim was aged 43 and from Co Down. His next of kin have now been informed.

However, the name of the man, who is believed to have been on holiday in Cornwall when the tragedy happened, had not been released last night.

His death is not currently being treated as suspicious.