The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing assistance to the family of an Irishman who drowned while attending a stag party in Brighton on Saturday.
A spokesman said one of the man’s friends had contacted the Irish embassy in London after the incident.
The British Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the man in his early 30s died after he went for a swim in the sea.
However, he got into difficulties and the efforts of two lifeguards and one of his friends rescue him were defeated by heavy surf and a dangerous undertow. He was later pronounced dead at the County Hospital.
"This was supposed to have been an enjoyable event but it rapidly turned to tragedy as one of the party got into difficulties after deciding to go for a swim in atrocious sea conditions," said Solent Coastguard watch manager Mike O'Sullivan.
"Members of the public entering the sea in these sort of conditions were putting themselves at severe risk - no matter how commendable were their intentions," he added.