A game of diving into the sea from rocks had tragic consequences for one of three men rescued in an air and sea operation in Northern Ireland.
A change in wind direction was believed today to have claimed the life of the man who died in hospital after being rescued off the Causeway Coast in Co Antrim.
The man, who has not been named, drifted out to sea with two other men after jumping off rocks yesterday near Dunluce Castle - a popular tourist attraction along a coast which also includes the Giant's Causeway.
The emergency services received a 999 call from a 14-year-old girl who was with the group but who was on the shore when the men were swept out to sea.
Her call sparked a dramatic air and sea rescue involving members of the Coastguard in Belfast, lifefboat crews in Ballycastle and Portrush and a helicopter from Prestwick.
Mr John Hope of the Coastguard said: "The boys had been diving into the sea but there were 12 - 15 feet swells in the area and they were swept out.
"A teenage girl, who was with them, raised the alarm and sparked the operation.
The three men were pulled out of the water by a lifeboat crew and the girl was helicoptered from the shore.
All four were taken to the Causeway hospital in Coleraine where they were reported to be suffering from various degrees of hypothermia and shock. One man died later.
Unionist and nationalist politicians in the area expressed their shock at the tragedy.
Democratic Unionist Assembly member Mr Ian Paisley Junior sent his condolences to the victim's family.
"It is not the first time there has been something like this in Dunluce," the North Antrim MLA said.
"I have had personal experience of a terrible tragedy around there and know that area well because it's not too far from where I live.
Nationalist SDLP Assembly member Mr Sean Farren said: "This is a terrible thing to happen to any family.
"The sea around Dunluce is very rough and an incident like this shows how unforgiving it can also be.
Sinn Fein MLA Mr Phillip McGuigan said: "I'm sure everybody's heart will go out to the victim and the family that he leaves behind.
"An incident like this makes it very clear how dangerous the sea can be. It is a tragedy for all those involved."
PA