Cork drowning victim named as Polish mother of two

Olivia Kelleher

Tributes have been paid to mother of two, Joanna Wisniowśka, who died on Sunday after attempting to rescue her young son after he got into difficulty swimming off Ballycroneen beach in East Cork.

Ms Wisniowśka, who was a native of Strzyzow in Poland, entered the water in a bid to help her 10-year-old son shortly before 1pm on Sunday. The boy managed to make his way onto rocks on the shore, but Ms Wisniowśka got into difficulty in the water.

She was taken from the water by the RNLI and transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH), where she later died.

Cork East Sinn Féin TD Pat Buckley described Ms Wisniowśka, her partner Maciej and their children, Stanislaw and Zofia, as being “deeply rooted in the community”.

“The family are fully integrated into the town. I think they even have an Irish nickname. It is a pure and utter tragedy.”

Mr Buckley said every effort would be made to assist the grieving family in the coming days.

In a Facebook post, the RNLI said the lifeboat crew from Ballycotton, along with their colleagues in Crosshaven Lifeboat station, were requested to launch on Sunday afternoon by Valentia Coast Guard.

“Local coast guard units from Ballycotton and Guileen located one of the swimmers on the rocks who was winched to safety by the crew of Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117.

“The second casualty was rescued from the water in a joint operation by both lifeboat crews and transferred into the care of waiting emergency services.

“Sadly, we learned later that the woman we rescued did not recover. We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to their family and friends and our thoughts are with the young child who was brought to safety.

“We also wish to acknowledge the incredible work of our colleagues in the other agencies who worked tirelessly, to try and save a life. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

Ms Wisniowśka was a certified massage therapist who previously ran her own mobile massage business. She also worked in the spa at the Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork. The family had lived in Cloyne, Co Cork for several years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.