A woman has died in Claddaghduff this morning after her caravan was blown off a cliff due to the strong winds of Storm Ali.
The woman was in her 50s and is believed to be a tourist from Switzerland.
Her body was found at around 8am this morning.
The Irish Sun reports that a spokesperson for An Garda Síochana said: “Gardai at Clifden Co Galway are investigating an incident which occurred at Claddaghduff, Co Galway this morning.
“At approximately 7.45am a report was received that a caravan had blown off the cliff at the above location.
“A search was carried out on the beach and after a short time the body of a female in her 50s was recovered.
“Her body is expected to be removed to UCG for a post mortem examination. The local coroner has been notified.”
Storm Ali has wreaked havoc in County Galway today, with thousands of homes losing electricity and downed trees blocking roads all over the county.
President Higgins has sent his condolences to the woman’s family.
He stated: “Today’s strong winds can result in dangerous situations and I would urge everyone to heed the warnings by the authorities and take caution when travelling or when out in the open.
“I was deeply saddened to learn that storm Ali has already claimed one victim today in Claddagduff, Co Galway. As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to her family.
“I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those, in statutory and voluntary organisations around the country, who are helping and stand ready to assist their fellow citizens, and who are working to maintain essential services around the country.”
Met Éireann noted on Twitter that wind speeds this morning reached 143km/hr in Mace Head, County Galway – the strongest gusts nationwide from Ali and categorised as a severe weather event.
They advised “extreme caution” in the gale force winds.
This article has been updated to include the information that the woman was a Swiss tourist.
