A Waterford woman has drowned while on holiday in Lanzarote

An Irish woman holidaying on the Spanish island of Lanzarote has drowned.

Elaine O’Donovan was from Waterford and died on Tuesday. "Ms O’Donovan an environmental engineer had an international career specialising in the provision of water and sanitation services in the developing world," reports IrishTimes.com.

Ms O'Donovan was in her 40s and had recently been living in London.

A statement released by her family states: "Elaine was deeply loved by her family and her 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."