The two French tourists who were killed when their car overturned in Connemara on Monday have been named.

49-year-old Laurent Roy and 67-year-old Claude Chanterault were drowned when the car in which they were travelling left the road and plunged down an embankment into a river in Lettergesh East, near Tully Cross at approximately 12 mid-day.

The accident occurred on the road connecting the Lettergesh / Leenane Road to the beach and it is believed that the four holidaymakers were on their way to visit the beach when tragedy struck. The Cleggan unit of the Irish Coastguard was alerted along with Clifden Fire Brigade and the gardai, while two ambulances also raced to the scene.

Local residents rushed to help the tourists but the flowing water and language barriers hampered rescue attempts. However, it is understood that a local diver played a major role in releasing the four people from the vehicle. Despite repeated resuscitation attempts, the two men were pronounced dead at the scene.

The two remaining female passengers, who were travelling in the backseat of the silver Ford Mondeo car at the time of the accident, were stabilised by local GP Dr Irene Nee at the scene. They were later brought to UHG where they were treated for non life-threatening injuries.

Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the crash to come forward and contact them at Clifden Garda Station on 095-22500, or on the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111. They are particularly eager to speak to the driver of a small, light blue, sports utility vehicle who may have witnessed the incident.

While the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are not known, Gardaí have said that they are not looking for a second vehicle and have described the tragedy as a "terrible accident".

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