A swimmer who was pronounced dead after being taken from the water in Newcastle, Co Down, has been named locally as Paul Bradley, owner of Cafe Fish in south Belfast.
Emergency services were alerted following a report the man was in difficulties off the town's South Promenade on Wednesday morning, at a popular spot for all-year round sea swimmers.
Newcastle RNLI were the first responders to the incident, which happened close to the lifeboat station, also on South Promenade.
Read more:Cafe Fish owner Paul Bradley remembered as a 'huge personality and presence' by his family
"The inshore lifeboat launched shortly before 10am and the casualty was quickly taken ashore, and casualty care was administered by the lifeboat crew until the arrival of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Air Ambulance NI was also tasked," the local RNLI spokesperson said.
Members of the lifeboat unit attempted to resuscitate the man as they waited for the NIAS to arrive. He was pronounced dead by an ambulance crew.Mr Bradley, who ran the popular takeaway eatery Cafe Fish on the Lisburn Road together with wife Gabrielle, was in his early 60's. He previously ran the Victoria Junction chip shop in Lurgan, his home town.Sean Lawlor, a friend of 20 years and owner of the nearby Cambridge Barbershop on the road, described Paul as an "infectious guy, a great guy". "We remember Paul first opening up. He had cemented Cafe Fish into the heart of Lisburn Road and fast became a popular venue among the many eateries and bars that sit along the road," Mr Lawlor said."With Paul always heard shouting "Order on", he created an ambience like no other and knew how to attract customers....and keep them. We will miss him shouting...his infectious smile and him also revving his 'baby' when driving past the barbershop."Mr Lawlor explained his friend had several cars, including a Nissan sports vehicle. He would rev the car on the road, prompting "slagging" from all he was trying to be 18 again.The deceased took up sea swimming several years ago, during the pandemic lock downs. "It is just a terrible, terrible tragedy," said Mr Lawlor. Today's top stories
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South Belfast MP Claire Hanna said on X: "Terribly sad news. Paul was a local businessman of decades standing on the Lisburn Road, a very fun character and a family friend. Deepest sympathy to Gabrielle, Jacob and the rest of the family circle as they deal with this awful shock." Broadcaster Donna Traynor posted on X: "So sorry to hear about the passing of Paul Bradley. He was well known in the Lisburn Road area for his friendly banter with customers. Condolences to his family." Newcastle Sinn Féin councillor Willie Clarke said he spoke to people around the town and there was a real sense of grief within the community. The man who died lived locally, he said."My thoughts are with his family and friends," said Mr Clarke.
The councillor was told the man "loved the sport of sea swimming and was doing something he loved, but that does not take away the grief" his family and friends must be feeling.Local people described the sea in Newcastle as "very rough" on Wednesday morning with a strong wind blowing from the south east churning up the water. It was not immediately known whether others were on the South Promenade near the town's harbour or in the water when the man first got into difficulties.
