A man in his 50s has died following a tragic accident in the River Bandon in west Cork.
The farmer was believed to have been working to secure water supplies for livestock when he slipped and fell into a deep, submerged hole in the riverbed.
The incident happened at around 6pm on Wednesday outside Dunmanway.
An alarm was raised and a major search operation was launched. The man's body was later recovered from the river and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His remains were taken to Cork University Hospital, where a post-mortem examination is due to take place.
The incident is being treated as a tragic accident. Gardaí have also notified the Health and Safety Authority, as the death is being treated as a workplace incident.
Initial indications suggest the man may have slipped into a deep hole hidden beneath the surface of the river. It is understood the depth of the water, combined with the weight of his boots and clothing, may have prevented him from reaching the safety of the riverbank.
Farmers have been under increasing pressure to secure water supplies for livestock during the current dry spell.
A file will now be prepared for the South Cork Coroner's Office, with an inquest expected to take place next year.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns about the dangers posed by rivers and other waterways. Almost 20 years ago, three people drowned in north Cork after falling into a similar hole in the bed of the River Awbeg.
The location and depth of submerged holes can change over time due to winter flooding and alterations to riverbeds.
Water Safety Ireland, the Coast Guard and the RNLI have urged people to exercise caution near rivers, lakes and the sea during the current hot spell. A total of 39 people have drowned in Ireland so far this year.
