Body of man (20) recovered from River Shannon in Athlone

Gardai in Athlone are investigating the death of a 20-year-old man whose body was recovered from the River Shannon in the town this morning (Thursday).

The deceased's body was found by divers from Athlone Sub Aqua Club during a search, which also involved the coastguard and RNLI Lough Ree lifeboat, this morning.

The man had entered the river just downstream of Athlone town bridge at approximately 2.30am, and was seen at the time by Defence Forces personnel manning flood defences nearby at The Strand.

Sergeant Andrew Haran of Athlone Garda Station said the Lough Ree RNLI Lifeboat and the Coastguard were on the scene very quickly after the alarm was raised, but the darkness foiled their initial efforts.

Athlone Sub Aqua Club divers then located the man's body early this morning.

Seargeant Haran said the Gardai were now investigating the 'tragic' death of the 20-year-old, whose family have been notified.

It's understood the man was not a native of Athlone but had been living locally.

The sub aqua club thanked its members for responding to the call for assistance this morning and offered its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.