Man's body recovered from submerged car in Inishbiggle

THE body of an Inishbiggle man was recovered from a car after it became submerged in water at a lake on the island last night.

The tragedy occurred late on Friday evening when reports emerged that a car had entered a lake in Inishbiggle and the occupant was trapped. The alarm was raised at approximately 8.30pm and members of the Achill Island Coast Guard unit were tasked to attend the scene.

The coast guard reported that while the D-Class lifeboat was being launched, the casualty was recovered from the water and every effort was made to aid in their recovery.

The Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter R118 was also tasked and two crews from the ambulance service along with the local doctor and locals from the vicinity did what they could to aid in the rescue.

However, the casualty who is understood to be a local man of the island was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was brought to Mayo University Hospital where a post mortem is due to take place.

Inishbiggle is located between Achill and Ballycroy and is home to only around 20 residents, the majority of which are elderly. The current around Inishbiggle is regarded as one of the strongest in Europe and is only accessible by boat from Bullsmouth on Achill Island and from Ballycroy.