An Irishman is feared drowned after he fell overboard from a cruise ship in Australia.
The 24-year-old is believed to have been trying to save a female friend when he disappeared in the Brisbane River, which flows through Brisbane in southeast Queensland.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has been in touch with the man’s family in Ireland and has offered them consular assistance.
It is understood the pair were celebrating the birthday of a friend on board the Lady Brisbanewhen the 26-year-old Irish women fell overboard near the Hale Street Link at Milton last night. The woman was quickly rescued but the man, who police believe could not swim, did not surface.
A massive search operation involving water police, coast guard vessels and a rescue helicopter was continuing today.
The Irish embassy in Canberra is said to be in close contact with authorities in Queensland.