A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy has drowned off the coast of Cork today.

At 4.18pm a 999 call requested the assistance of the coast guard as a boy had gotten in trouble while swimming with a friend in the sea at Youghal beach.

It is understood that the boy became caught in the current and was swept into the harbour. A number of people entered the water in an attempt to rescue him and the coast guard helicopter from Waterford was tasked as well as Youghal Coast Guard and RNLI lifeboat.

The boy was recovered from the water and resuscitation was attempted. He was transported by helicopter to Cork airport to be collected by an ambulance and then taken to Cork University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Speaking following the incident, Fergus Hopkins, Youghal RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said it is a “devastating and heartbreaking loss for this young boy’s family and a terrible tragedy for the Youghal community”.

“I wish to offer my condolences and those of Youghal RNLI to the family at this difficulty time,” he added.