Two anglers, aged in their 20s and 30s, have died while fishing near Doonbeg in Co Clare.
The Irish Coast Guard received a report this afternoon that two men had fallen into the water at Pulleen Bay.
It is understood the men were fishing off rocks at the time.
The alarm was raised at 2.15pm.
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It is understood the two men were part of a group of five who had travelled from Limerick to West Clare for the day.
It is believed the men, who were originally from Afghanistan, had spent time angling in the area in the past.
Their friends contacted emergency services when the two men were swept out to sea shortly after 2pm.
Councillor Rita McInerney from Doonbeg said people in the village were saddened at the loss of life and extended the sympathies of the community with their families and friends.
A search was conducted involving a Coast Guard helicopter, Kilkee and Doolin coast guard units and Aran Island Lifeboat.
The helicopter located two bodies at around 4pm and they were recovered from the water by the lifeboat.
Sea conditions were reported to be very rough at the time.
Gardaí said that post-mortem examinations will be carried out and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
