A CORK WOMAN has died in tragic circumstances on a Vietnam beach.

64-year-old Stephanie Hartnett, originally from Limerick but living in Mallow, Cork, was swept out to sea by what’s being described as a ‘freak wave’ on Saturday.

Attempts were made to resuscitate Ms Hartnett but she died when she was brought ashore.

Stephanie had been holidaying in the Asian country with friends.

It’s understood the accident happened at a Vietnamese beach resort outside Ho Chi Minh City.

Seas in the region have been quite volatile as the after effects of several typhoons are still being felt.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that they are providing consular assistance to Stephanie’s family.

Ms Hartnett was a director of the Anchor Centre in Mallow, a drug and alcohol addiction counselling service, and was heavily involved in community affairs in the town. She had previously worked for Irish Rail before retiring.

Her colleagues at the Rotary Club of Mallow, of which she was a past president, have paid tribute to her in a statement.

“The Rotary Club of Mallow is shocked and saddened to hear of the death of our great colleague Stephanie Hartnett,” it said.

She was committed to all the active projects undertaken by the club at local, national and international level. She was involved in the worldwide drive to eradicate Polio, which is a major project of Rotary International.

She was really enjoying her retirement and her sudden death came as great shock to all.

Our deepest sympathies go to her family.

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