A "professional mermaid" has set a new Irish record for freediving.

Elaina O'Brien set the new national record by holding her breath for a staggering five minutes and two seconds. She was taking part in a competition in Cebu in the Philippines at the weekend.

Ms O'Brien is a passionate environmentalist and a member of the Cork-based ORCireland (Ocean Research and Conservation Ireland).

She is also a volunteer with the environmental group Ocean Quest Global and took part in the competition to raise awareness about the role freedivers can play in coral reef protection.

Writing on social media, she said: "There is nothing more captivating, peaceful and liberating than being submerged in the big blue sea."

Irish Independent