AN IRISH WOMAN who drowned while on holiday in Lanzarote has been named locally as Waterford native Elaine O'Donovan.
Ms O'Donovan, who would have turned 42 tomorrow, died while on holiday in Lanzarote yesterday, May 17.
She was on holiday with her parents when Ms O'Donovan drowned in the sea.
She was originally from Waterford City, having attended Ursuline College, but had moved to London in recent years.
Friends paid tribute to the Irishwoman on social media saying Ms O'Donovan was 'one of a kind,' and a 'beautiful lady, inside and out.'
In a statement to The Irish Post, Ms O'Donovan's family said: "Elaine was deeply loved by her family and many friends all over the world.
"She loved her work as an environmental engineer which took her to the most dangerous parts of the world where she worked to improve the lives of those who so badly needed her help.
"Elaine touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She will be very sadly missed."
In Britain, she had worked with Butyl Products Ltd in business development, heading up their Aid infrastructure division, often travelling for work.
She had also been a keynote speaker at several major aid and humanitarian summits in recent years.
Ms O'Donovan was an engineering graduate from Cork Institute of Technology and nearly 20 years experience in water and sanitation.
Her career profile for Butyl said "her knowledge and experience is invaluable and is frequently called upon when working in collaboration with other organisations around the world."
For her bucket list, Elaine said she "would like to own a small cottage retreat where she could spend some time writing about all of the varied experiences she's had in her life so far."
The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland have said they are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance.
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