The woman who drowned earlier this morning, while swimming at Ballycastle beach, has been named as Deirdre McShane.
Ms McShane, 58, is believed to have lived and worked locally as a community midwife.
She had been out for an early morning swim with a group of others when she got into difficulty.
Unfortunately emergency services were unable to revive Ms McShane with another woman being taken to hospital for further treatment.
Inspector Mick Wood said:
“Police received a report from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service shortly after 8:30am today (Monday, 9th December) for the concern for safety of two female swimmers at Ballycastle beach in the Cushendall Road area.
“Officers attended the scene along with other emergency services colleagues, including the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, Air Ambulance NI and The Coastguard.
“Tragically, one of the women passed away at the scene.
“The second female has been taken to hospital where she remains undergoing treatment.
“Our officers remain at the scene as we continue to deal with this tragic incident.”
