LISTEN: Midwife who died in Co Antrim beach incident named locally as Deirdre McShane (58)

By Q Radio News

A woman who died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Ballycastle in north Antrim has been named locally as mum-of-two Deirdre McShane. 

The 58-year-old midwife, who lived in the town, was part of a group of early morning swimmers.

It's understood they got caught in strong undercurrents.

A major emergency was declared at around 8.30 before rescue vessels from Ballycastle, Redbay and Coleraine were dispatched to the scene.

The air ambulance was also brought in, but efforts to resuscitate the victim proved futile.  

Cara McShane is a relative of the dead woman and says everyone is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. 

Another woman was treated at the scene before being transferred to Coleraine Hospital.

It's understood she is being treated for hypothermia and is in stable condition. 

In a statement the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it received a 999 call at 08:28 on Monday December 9 following reports of a number of swimmers in difficulty in Ballycastle.

"Two emergency crews, two ambulance officers and a HART officer to the scene," it added. 

"The Charity Air Ambulance, with a HEMS team on board, was also tasked to the incident.

"Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one female patient was taken, by ambulance to Causeway Hospital."

The emergency services are dealing with an “incident” on Ballycastle beach in Co. Antrim. Q Radio understands a group of swimmers got into difficulties. pic.twitter.com/zjsDxjnx7n

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 9, 2019