Shock and sadness remains in Helen’s Bay as sea swimmers extend sympathy and warn 'the sea is to be loved but also respected'

A woman in her 60s died following an incident at Helen’s Bay in Co Down after she got into difficulty in the water at the beachon Saturday afternoon.

The PSNI said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

And in a statement the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it received an emergency call shortly after 1pm on Saturday.

Two emergency ambulance crews, a rapid response paramedic, a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), a critical care paramedic and an ambulance officer were dispatched to the scene.

After being treated at the scene, two patients were taken to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, while a third was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

And a PSNI spokesman on 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 on Saturday afternoon, January 24th.

“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.”

Meanwhile in comments online fellow sea swimmers said: ‘Sad outcome but should serve as a warning to everyone , the sea is a dangerous place even on a calm summers day never mind when its rough and blowing hard ... condolences to the persons family’, ‘The sea is to be loved but also respected, very sad outcome’, ‘Very sad news. Condolences to the family and thank you to our emergency services for their rapid response’ and ‘Tragic , thoughts are with the families who’ve suffered in this incident. Thank you to all who tried to help’.

Another sea swimmer said: ‘Heartbreaking news swim here regularly and have always thought the bay was sheltered and safe, but no matter where we are the sea is so unpredictable. Condolences to the family’, whilst another added ‘such terrible news for all involved’.

Offering his condolences, North Down MP Alex Easton said he was “deeply saddened” over the woman’s death.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” he added.

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

“I want to pay tribute to the members of the public who bravely attempted to help, and to the emergency services who responded so quickly and professionally — including the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Coastguard teams, RNLI, police, and all those involved in the rescue effort.

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

"I would urge everyone to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers and to respect their privacy as they grieve.

“This tragic incident is a reminder of how quickly emergencies can arise around our coastline, and I encourage everyone to take care when visiting our beaches.”

And in a statement Belfast Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard received a report of three people struggling in the sea at Helens Bay.

"Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bangor and Portaferry were tasked to the incident, along with an HM Coastguard Incident Commander.

"Bangor RNLI Lifeboat was also requested to launch, and the HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter also attended the scene.

"This was followed by emergency care at the scene.

"Ambulance Service crews, supported by Air Ambulance NI, also attended.

Senior Coastal Operations Officer Ryan Gray extended sincere thanks to members of the public who acted "quickly" and "selflessly" to assist those in difficulty, and whose actions played an "important role" in supporting the rescue operation.