Two elderly women, believed to be nuns, died last night after being taken from the water at Inch Beach in Co Kerry.

A lifeguard about to go off duty observed the women, both nuns in their 60s according to unconfirmed local reports, in difficulties shortly after 7pm and a rescue operation was immediately mounted.

Two ambulance units were called, as was a Coast Guard helicopter, which airlifted the women in serious condition to Kerry General Hospital, in Tralee.

Just after 10.30pm last night it was confirmed by gardaí that the two women had been declared dead.

Inch, on the Dingle Peninsula, is a popular bathing area, though the beach was said to be quiet at the time of the incident.

It is thought the women may have been on holidays.

- Donal Hickey, Irish Examiner