Damien Lucey: Desperate search for body of Irishman after suspected drowning at Margaret River beach

The devastated family of an Irish man — who had been living in Perth for more than a decade — are desperately trying to raise money to search for his body after it’s believed he drowned at a popular beach in WA’s South West.

Damien Lucey was last seen during an afternoon swim at Honeycombs Beach, near Yallingup, on January 8.

Mr Lucey was heard calling out for help by two passers-by after he came into “difficulty” while in the water. It is believed Mr Lucey drowned.

A WA Police spokesman said emergency services received a report of a “man in distress” while swimming at the beach.

“An extensive search was conducted, involving local police, water police, several Volunteer Marine Rescue groups, Surf Life Saving and St John WA. The RAC rescue helicopter was also deployed,” a WA police spokesman said.

Mr Lucey’s body has not been found, despite further aerial searches by the Surf Life Saving helicopter in the days after the incident.

“At this stage, police have deemed that tragically, the 42-year-old man drowned at Honeycombs Beach,” police said.

“A report will be prepared for the Coroner.”

His devastated family are desperately trying to raise the funds to fly to Australia to continue the search for Mr Lucey’s body.

In a heartbreaking social media post, Mr Lucey’s sister Eleanor Lucey wrote of how she was still waiting for the call that her brother had been recovered.

“Two people heard Damo call out for help but unfortunately, the water took our funny, witty brother under,” she said.

“We are still waiting for the call to say that he has been found.

“We want to say that we will be eternally grateful for Damo’s Aussie family for what they are doing for us.

“For all the visitors, callers, we are truly amazed how many lives Damo’s infectious laugh truly touched.

“Please keep hope he will be returned to us.”

Family friend Candice Parkins started a GoFundMe page for the family, writing that the Lucey family need help with accommodation costs in Perth and that if his body is recovered, they hope to fly him back to Ireland where he can be laid to rest in his home town of Cork.

“This tragedy has obviously devastated the Lucey family and his close friends,” Ms Parkins wrote.

“In fact, everyone who knew Damien is heartbroken by this tragic loss and I know all those who knew him will join in the desire to want to assist his family at this difficult time. “My hope is that we can help them in returning to Perth to aid in the search for Damien, and to bring him home.”

The Irish and Australian communities have rallied to help Mr Lucey’s family, with more than $54,400 raised via the GoFundMe page in just one day.

It is understood Mr Lucey had made Perth his home for the last 10 years and he often swam at the beach about a 20-minute drive from Margaret River.