LAST UPDATE | 25 May 2019

AN OFF-DUTY garda has died after getting into difficulty while diving off the Wexford Coast. 

Around midday, the Coast Guard was alerted to a report of a diver in difficulty off Hook Head.

The Coast Guard helicopter, the naval ship LÉ Orla and a lifeboat were sent to the scene. 

A diver – who is believed to be an off-duty garda and former member of the Garda Water Unit – was recovered from the water in a critical condition, and airlifted to Waterford University Hospital.

It is believed he has been now pronounced dead. The man wa involved with a local diving club. 

It was initially reported that the garda was participating in a search for a missing local fisherman but sources have since said the reports were incorrect. 

The Rosslare Harbour RNLI said earlier today that a lifeboat was continuing a separate search for a missing skipper.

Kilmore Quay RNLI, also Irish Coast Guard Rescue 117 and local fishing boats were also involved in the search. 

A garda spokesperson said that gardaí and the Coastguard were called to an incident that occurred 15 nautical miles from Hook Head at noon today.

“A male diver, mid 40s, was recovered from the water in a critical condition, and airlifted to Waterford University Hospital,” they said.