8 August 2012 Last updated at 05:53 ET

Cork man dies in kayaking accident in Norway

An Irish man has died in a kayaking accident during an adventure holiday in Norway.

Colm Johnson, 24, from Bandon in County Cork, was kayaking with four Irish friends on the river Sjoa when he got into difficulties.

When he went under water, his friends tried to rescue him but were unable to locate him.

His body was recovered by Norwegian officials, aided by a rescue helicopter.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin has confirmed that it is liaising with the family and consular assistance is being provided from the Oslo embassy.

It is understood that Mr Johnson, a student at University College Cork, became trapped under water and was swept downstream after paddling over an eight metre descent on the river.

When he failed to surface, his four friends, all experienced kayakers, threw ropes into the water, but to no avail.

He had been the first of the group to kayak over the drop.

Norwegian authorities have reportedly said difficult working conditions and high water levels in the ravine resulted in a delay in recovering the body.

It is not yet know when Mr Johnson's body will be repatriated to Ireland.