The body of an eight-year-old girl was found four hours after she was swept out to sea while playing with friends. 

After her disappearance, a frantic four-hour search operation around the water in Fountainstown, County Cork was launched. 

Shortly before 4.30 pm on Tuesday (September 5), a Coastguard helicopter was launched from the nearby town of Shannon. 

A gardai and ambulances were also rushed to the scene as the Coastguard lifeboat stepped up the search.

By 7pm, a huge crowd had gathered in the area and the Irish Naval Service joined the search.

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As the sun started to go down, rigged portable lighting was also brought to the beach where the search was being coordinated. 

But just before 8pm, the child was recovered from the water and pronounced dead.

The search was stood down shortly after, reported CorkBeo.

The girl was said to be playing with three young boys at a reportedly safe part of the bay when a large wave swept them away.

A Garda spokesperson said earlier in the evening:  “Gardaí and emergency services are currently engaged in a search operation along the coastline at Fountainstown Beach, near Crosshaven, Co. Cork, this evening, Tuesday 5th September 2023.

“Garda Units from Crosshaven and Carrigaline stations are involved in this operation alongside the Coast Guard, RNLI, Fire Services, Customs and Mallow River Rescue. No further information is available at this time. 

“Further updates will issue in due course.”

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