A violist with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra has died trying to rescue his drowning partner while on holiday in Crete.

The Independent reports that John Lynch (right), a 45 year-old associate principal violist with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, died on Friday while attempting to save partner Kevin Devine (left, 46), who got into trouble while swimming on the Mavros Molos beach in Kissamos.

Both Lynch and Devine’s bodies were later spotted by surfers before being retrieved by the coastguard and pronounced dead.

Coastguard officials said that the lifeguard on duty had finished his shift shortly before the men went in for a swim. The also couple entered the water despite the fact that a red flag warning against bathing flying on the beach, reports The Irish Times.

A statement released on Saturday night by Devine’s parents Mary and Owen said that he was “beloved” by family members and will be “missed by his family, friends and colleagues in the Department of Health.”

Funeral arrangements will be made once the bodies have been repatriated, reports RTÉ.