It is with great sadness the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation confirms the death of an Irish swimmer whilst attempting a solo crossing of the English Channel early this morning, July 22.

Páraic Casey from Cork, Ireland began his swim at 9.13am on Saturday morning and was just 1km from the coast of France at around 1:30 this morning when he took ill. Attempts were made by crew to resuscitate him before a French rescue helicopter arrived with medics who tried further resuscitation. Mr Casey was a member of the Sandycove Swimming Club in Cork, Ireland.

He is survived by his wife Riana who has issued the following statement:
“Páraic was an amazing, healthy, tough, loving husband, friend, brother, uncle, son, nephew and cousin who’s recent passion for swimming brought him to great places. I would like to thank everyone for their love and support. We ask that our privacy is respected during this difficult time.”

CSPF Chairman
Michael Oram
All media enquiries to Frances Thornton
+44 (0) 7716505667
frances@francesthornton.com.au

St Patrick’s Marymount Hospice in Cork, for whom he was fundraising, in Páraic’s words, ”is a very worthy cause and I would very much appreciate your support in helping me to raise funds for this charity”.

Here is the link to Paraic’s account if you would like to donate.

Páraic was also raising money for St Vincent de Paul. The link he created to their site seems to be down but general link is here:

Our sincere condolences to his wife, Riana, their families and friends. Páraic was a wonderful man.