Cork swimmer missing in Australia

A large-scale search is underway for a Cork man who went missing while swimming in Australia last week as friends raise funds to find and bring him home.

Damien Lucey, 42, from Ballincollig was heard calling for help while swimming at Honeycombs Beach in Perth, Australia, on 8 January.

Emergency services were called but despite rescue efforts, Mr Lucey disappeared below the surface and has not been seen since.

Mr Lucey had been living in Perth for over ten years during which time he had “established an amazing life and career for himself” said friend of Mr Lucey’s, Candice Parkins.

Ms Perkins recently co-founded a GoFundMe page in order to help with the financial costs of the search for Mr Lucey and to enable his family to travel to Perth.

“This tragedy has obviously devastated the Lucey family and his close friends. In fact, everyone that knew Damien is heartbroken by this tragic loss and I know all those that knew him will join in the desire to want to assist his family at this difficult time,” wrote Ms Perkins.

The page was established on Monday and has raised over €48,000 of its €40,000 target by Thursday afternoon.

In a social media post, Mr Lucey’s sister Eleanor described her brother as “funny”, “witty” and as having an “infectious laugh”.

She wrote: “We are still waiting for the call to say that he has been found. We want to say that we are eternally grateful Damo’s Aussie family for what they are doing for us.

“For all the visitors, callers, we are truly amazed how many lives Damo’s infectious laugh truly touched. Please keep hope he will be returned to us.”

All monies raised by the GoFundMe page will go towards assisting the Lucey family with buying return flights from Cork to Perth, covering the costs of accommodation while there, expenses to facilitate the continued search at Honeycombs Beach and surrounding areas, and covering any legal expenses.

GoFundMe organiser Ms Perkins continued: “On behalf of Damien's mother Frankie, brother Patrick, and sisters Gretta, Marie, Carol, and Eleanor, and extended family, I thank you in advance for your donations. However big or small, it is much appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please share this fundraiser with your friends and family to help share Damien's story and help raise funds.”

To make a donation that will help Mr Lucey’s family to find and bring him home, visit gofundme.com/f/damien-lucey-family-support-fund.