Tributes paid as popular young Mayo man drowns off the coast of Crete

A 21-year-old native of Mayo has died tragically while on holiday with his friends abroad.

Cian McHale, who was originally from Castlebar, but had lived in Galway for several years, was on holiday in Crete.

It is reported that Cian, who would have turned 22 in August, was swimming in an area off the coast of Hersonissos when he suddenly lost consciousness and was swept out to sea by the strong currents.

Cian's friends immediately told the local police and rescue teams who launched boats, divers and jet skis in a long search during the early hours of Thursday morning on the resort.

He was discovered a time later stuck under rocks, and while rescuers were able to release him, they were unable to save him in time.

There has been an outpouring of tributes for Cian, who was well-known figure around Galway, despite growing up in Mayo with his grandparents in his youth.

A memorial service was held for him in the Claddagh last night.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, the Irish Embassy in Greece and the Greece Embassy in Ireland are providing consular assistance to his family at this time.