Family to restart search for brother’s body after he drowned at WA beach

The 42-year-old is believed to have drowned at one of his favourite beaches but his body has yet to be found.

An Irish family is due to travel more than 15,000km to restart the search for the body of their brother who is believed to have drowned at a Western Australian beach.

Damien Lucey, 42, was swimming at Honeycombs Beach in Busselton, in the state’s Margaret River region, on January 8 when he reportedly ran into trouble.

His friend said he was a regular at that beach.

In a post shared to social media on Monday, his sister Eleanor Lucey – who lives in Cork with the rest of Damien’s family – said her brother was heard calling for help before he drowned.

Damien Lucey is believed to have drowned at Honeycombs Beach, near Busselton. Picture: Facebook

He has been remembered for his infectious laugh. Picture: Facebook

“Two people heard Damo call out for help but unfortunately the water took our funny, witty brother under,” she said in the Facebook post.

“We are still waiting for the call to say that he has been found.”

An extensive search involving water police, a rescue helicopter, volunteer marine rescue teams, surf lifesavers and ambulance crews took place in the days that followed his death.

However, the search was called off a few days ago with police declaring he likely drowned in the ocean.

Candice Perkins, a friend of Mr Lucey, shared that the native Irishman’s family is planning to make the 15,000km journey from Cork to Busselton to continue the search for his body on their own.

“Everyone that knew Damien is heartbroken by this tragic loss and I know all those that knew him will join in the desire to want to assist his family at this difficult time,” she said in a post to GoFundMe on Tuesday.

“My hope is that we can help them in returning to Perth to aid in the search for Damien, and to bring him home!”

He has lived in Perth for more than a decade, after leaving behind his native Ireland. Picture: Facebook

Already the fundraiser has raised almost 35,000 euros ($58,000 AUD) to cover return flights from Cork to Perth, accommodation in Perth for the duration of the continued search and legal expenses to organise Damien’s affairs.

The Lucey family have received an outpouring of support from Damien’s loved ones in Australia, where he spent the last decade of his life.

“We want to say that we will be eternally grateful for Damo’s Aussie family for what they are doing for us,” his sister said on Tuesday.

“For all the visitors, callers, we are truly amazed how many lives Damo infectious laugh truly touched.”