Irish teenager drowns in swimming pool tragedy in Crete

Irish Mirror — An Irish teenager has drowned in a swimming pool tragedy while on holiday in Crete.

The 15-year-old was discovered at her hotel in Stalida, Heraklion, shortly after 2.30pm on Sunday by her devastated parents, who were being comforted at the resort last night.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family.

One local said: “My heart goes out to them, it’s all just surreal. They said everybody has been fantastic to them. I just went to meet them to do to do my bit.”

The local added the family was asking for privacy at this time.

Local website cretapost.gr reported the girl’s rescuers and a doctor tried to bring her back to life but were unsuccessful.

The identity of the drowning victim is not yet known.

It is understood the victim’s parents have been assisted by the Irish embassy in Greece and last night some local tourism representatives, including an Irish business owner, met with the heartbroken couple.

Irish Water Safety chief John Leech said around 12 Irish people drown while abroad every year.