WATER TRAGEDY 

Man, 80s, dies after getting into difficulty in rough water off Dublin coast as gardai launch investigation

A MAN in his 80s tragically died after getting into difficulty in the Irish Sea off Dublin Bay yesterday.

Gardai and emergency services were called to the Great South Wall in Poolbeg at around 2.15pm yesterday after a man entered the water.

The Irish Coast Guard identified a person in the water and tried to rescue them but the rough sea conditions from the storm prevented this.

Tragically, the man’s body was later received after he was found close to the Great South Wall, where he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cops said that the corner has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged, with the results determining the course of the investigation.

RTÉ News reports that it was believed that he may have been with a younger family member before he entered the water.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: “Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident in which a man entered the water at the Great South Wall, Poolbeg, Dublin 4 at approximately 2.15pm yesterday, Saturday, 24th January 2026.

“The man, aged in his 80s, was removed from the water. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The Coroner has been notified.

“A post-mortem examination will be arranged, the results of which will determine the course of the investigation.”

Taking to social media about the tragic incident, Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard shared a footage of a helicopter above the stormy sea conditions at the Great South Wall in Dublin.

They said: “Person located in water beside Great South Bull wall during stormy sea conditions. The casualty was recovered but sadly had passed away.

“Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

‘DON’T EVER TAKE RISKS’

In a separate incident, the team also responded to an alarm of a possible person in difficulty at Killiney Beach.

It was revealed that the team conducted casualty welfare, was satisfied they were not in danger, and stood down their team’s operations.

Issuing an alert for everyone near Irish waters, they said: “During stormy sea conditions, heed safety warnings, keep clear of the coastline and don’t ever take risks.”

They have urged anyone who sees anyone in trouble, or thinks they are in trouble, in or near the water to ring 112 or VHF channel 16 immediately and ask for the Coast Guard.