A J1 student is in a very serious condition in hospital in the US after getting in trouble while swimming.
The 22-year-old was with a group of three other people who got in difficulty off a beach in Ocean City.
At around 6.30am local time yesterday the fire service in Ocean City in Maryland responded to an incident at a beach.
Four swimmers were in difficulty, with one managing to make it to the shore and raise the alarm.
Two others were rescued by emergency swimmers, but during the incident the fourth started suffering from apparent cardiac arrest.
He was given CPR and brought to Atlantic General Hospital, where it’s understood he’s on life support.
Fire officers in the area say they’ve had to carry out a number of rescues in the area in the past week due to strong rip currents.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the situation and providing consular assistance.
In separate news from the Department they’ve revealed that 2017 is likely to be the worst year on record for Irish people dying abroad.
176 Irish nationals passed away in other countries in the first half of the year, an almost 40% increase on the 2016 figure for the same time.
There’s also been an increase in the number of child abduction cases.
Most involve family members taking children away.
Unfortunately the rising figures mean it’s likely this year will be a record one for deaths abroad.
