Greece: Irish same-sex couple drown on holiday
A professional violinist has drowned in Crete, while attempting to rescue his same-sex partner.
John Lynch, 45, who was part of the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, had been attempting to rescue his partner Kevin Devine, after he got intro trouble while swimming off Mavros Molos beach in Kissamos.
However, following strong waves both men drowned on Friday evening, and their bodies were later spotted by surfers.
Coastguard pronounced the men dead at the scene, and their bodies were taken to Chania hospital.
Mr Devine, 46, who worked for the Department of Health, was born in Australia and had dual Australian-Irish citizenship.
The family of Mr Devine told the Irish Independent: “Kevin was the second eldest of our children and beloved by his brothers and sister.
“He loved travel, music and discovering new bands. He will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues in the Department of Health.
“We are being assisted by the authorities in Greece and the Department of Foreign Affairs and deeply appreciate their support at this difficult time.”
A spokeswoman for Kissamos Port Authority said: “It happened before 6pm on Friday. I don’t know which man was in the water, but he asked for help, and the other approached him, and then they had the accident.”
“At 6pm the ambulance arrived and took them from the beach, and then they went to the general hospital in Chania.”
The Irish embassy in Athens confirmed it was offering consular assistance to the men’s families.
