A Guinness World Record attempt has been cancelled as a mark of respect for a man who died in a water accident over the weekend.

Damien McGuinness died in the west Cork town of Castletownbere on Saturday evening after getting into difficulty in the water.

The Donegal man had been among festival-goers at the annual Festival of the Sea festival.

Valentia Coastguard were called to the scene after receiving a report from the National Ambulance Service.

The RNLI and local coastguard were among the units that also came to the aid. Despite best efforts, Mr McGuinness was pronounced dead.

On Sunday evening, organisers of Castletownbere Festival of the Sea confirmed they would be cancelling the Guinness World Record attempt scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday.

A statement from the festival shared on Facebook said: ‘The Castletownbere Festival of the Sea Committee extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Damien McGuinness.

‘Our thoughts are also with his fellow crew mates and the wider maritime community both here in Castletownbere and in Killybegs and at this sad time.’

The festival added: ‘As a mark of respect, the Guinness World Record tug pull attempt scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday will not now take place.

‘We thank everyone for their understanding.’

Mr McGuinness is predeceased by his father Peter, and survived by his mother Susan, sister Claire, brother Seamus, nieces Lauryn and Lara, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Messages of condolences are pouring in via the Condolences section on RIP, with one writing: ‘So very sorry to hear Damien’s passing… we always met at St Catherine’s Well… our sincere sympathy to Susan, Claire, Seamus, Lauryn and Lara.’

Another added: ‘Damien was such a gentleman, so sorry for your loss, may he rest in eternal peace.’