THE BODY of a French chef who got into difficulties while snorkelling at Old Head near Louisburgh, Co Mayo, on Wednesday night was recovered early yesterday.
The man was named locally as Bertrand Brendad (29), who is believed to be from central France and who was employed as a chef at the Plaza Hotel, Westport. He lived at Altamont Court in the town.
The official release of the dead man's name was delayed yesterday as efforts continued to make contact with his family in France.
It is understood an inquest into Mr Brendad's death will be held in Castlebar before his body is returned to France.
Mr Brendad was recovered at about 7.30am. He was taken to Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar for a postmortem.
He had been snorkelling with Polish friends at Old Head at about 8pm on Wednesday when he got into difficulties. A search involving Westport Coast Guard, Achill lifeboat and an Irish Coast Guard helicopter got under way immediately. It was called off at 10pm and resumed at first light yesterday.