Damien Lucey: Grave fears for Irish man who disappeared in Australia more than a week ago and has not been seen since
An Irish man living in Australia is feared to have drowned after going missing just over a week ago.
Damien Lucey, 42, was last seen swimming at Honeycombs Beach, about a three-hour drive southwest of Perth, on January 8.
Mr Lucey, who is from Cork and has lived Down Under for about a decade, heard beachgoers shouting that afternoon after getting into trouble in the rough waters.
Police assume he drowned, but his body has not yet been found.
A few hours earlier, Mr Lucey uploaded a video to Instagram as he stood on the rocks overlooking the picturesque beach, with the clip showing stunning views of the waves and ocean.
Damien Lucey (pictured left), who went for an afternoon swim at Honeycombs Beach, southwest of Perth, is believed to have drowned
Multiple emergency services, including paramedics and Surf Live Saving volunteers, rushed to the scene after reports that Mr Lucey was struggling in the water.
Water Police and Volunteer Marine Rescue Crews began searching for the man, but Western Australia Police said they were unable to find him after search and rescue efforts.
“Unfortunately, the search that day was unsuccessful and several visits were made by the Surf Life Saving helicopter several times a day,” a police spokesperson said.
‘At this stage police have assessed that the man tragically drowned.’
“A report will be prepared for the coroner.”
Mr Lucey (pictured), from Cork city in southern Ireland, got into trouble while in the water and heard two bystanders calling for help before emergency services arrived on the beach.
The incident has left Mr Lucey’s family devastated, with his sister Eleanor taking to Facebook to post a heartbreaking message about her ‘funny’ and ‘funny’ brother.
“We are still waiting for the call that he has been found,” she wrote.
“We want to say that we will be forever grateful to Damo’s (Damien’s) Australian family for what they do for us. Please keep hoping he will come back to us.”
A family friend has one GoFundMe page on Tuesday to raise money for the family to make the trip to Perth to help find Mr Lucey’s body.
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family of Mr Lucey (pictured) fly to Perth to help locate his body
The 42-year-old (pictured left) had lived in Perth for more than a decade and often swam at Honeycombs beach, known as a popular surfing spot
“This tragedy has clearly devastated the Lucey family and his close friends,” the message said.
‘Everyone who knew Damien is heartbroken by this tragic loss and I know that everyone who knew him will join in wanting to support his family at this difficult time.’
“My hope is that we can help them return to Perth to assist in the search for Damien, and bring him home!”
More than $57,000 was raised in just one day, with a goal of approximately $66,000.