SEA TRAGEDY 

Woman in her 60s dies & two rushed to hospital after ‘getting into difficulty’ in the sea at popular UK beach

A WOMAN has tragically died after getting into difficulty at a popular UK beach.

Two other swimmers were rushed to hospital after the horror unfolded in the water at Helen’s Bay in County Down, Northern Ireland, yesterday.

Emergency crews, including cops and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, were scrambled to the beach at around 1pm.

Three people were saved from the water by the coastguard, police said.

A number of beachgoers and witnesses rushed to the aid of the swimmers before first responders arrived.

The victim, a woman in her 60s, received treatment at the scene before being rushed to hospital.

Despite the best efforts of medical teams, she sadly died in hospital.

Local MP Alex Easton thanked the members of the public and emergency teams who helped with the rescue effort.

Speaking on the “tragic” loss, he said: “My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“I know the wider community will also be shocked by this very sad news.

“Helen’s Bay is a place many families cherish, which makes this loss all the more heartbreaking.

“This tragic incident is a reminder of how quickly emergencies can arise around our coastline.

“I encourage everyone to take care when visiting our beaches.”

NIAS confirmed two emergency ambulance crews, a rapid response paramedic and a Hazardous Area Response Team all attended.

A critical care paramedic and an ambulance officer were also dispatched to the beach.

After receiving treatment at the scene, two patients were taken to the Ulster Hospital in nearby Dundonald.

A third patient was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Local police confirmed teams were dispatched following reports of a “concern for safety” yesterday afternoon.

A spokesperson said: “Police can confirm a woman, aged in her 60s has died following a report of a concern for safety in the Helens Bay area.

“Police received a report that the Coastguard had removed three people from the water.

“One woman was taken to hospital where sadly she has since died. Her death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Earlier this month, two people died after getting into difficulty in the sea amid “horrendous” conditions as they tried to save a struggling teen girl.

Rescue crews launched a major operation when a group disappeared in the water near Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, on January 2.

Police later confirmed a 67-year-old man and a second victim tragically lost their lives.

Searches continuing the following day for one more person in the water.

Eyewitnesses reported that a young girl, thought to be in her late teens, had been caught by a large wave near Pier Towers.