HandoutThe community is “numb” after two teenage boys died after getting into difficulty in the water near Buncrana, County Donegal, a member of the RLNI has said.
They have been named locally as 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola, originally from Nigeria, and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda, from Zimbabwe.
Hundreds of people attended a special service at St Mary’s Oratory in Buncrana on Sunday, which was led by the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown.
Bishop McKeown told those gathered the Buncrana community pulled together in the face of tragedy, which he said showed their strength, but he also highlighted their welcome of people from abroad to the local community.
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday afternoon after the Irish Coast Guard received a report that there were a number of people in difficulty in the water.
Later that evening, an 18-year-old male’s body was recovered from the water.
A juvenile who was rescued from the water was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A third teenage boy managed to make it back to shore.
Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme on Monday, Joe Joyce, the RNLI press officer for the Lough Swilly lifeboat station, said this was a very difficult incident to attend.
He said that when they got the call on Saturday, they immediately launched two lifeboats.
“A number of requests were made to Malin Head Coast Guard for assistance, and we launched two of our lifeboats.
“Malin Head also put out a ‘Mayday’, asking anyone in the vicinity to come and assist us.”
He said a former RNLI crew member, who was on the lough in his own personal boat, assisted in the incident.
There was also an Irish Coast Guard helicopter and drones used in the search operation, Mr Joyce said.
“There was a local yacht race happening that day, and they stopped that and assisted with the search.
“There were about 60 people involved in the search at that stage. It was huge, and we searched on and on and on.
“It was terribly traumatic to look at the families watching out over the lough and praying,” he said.
“Father Bradley arrived on the scene to give comfort to the families and led a short prayer service. It was just a very tragic event,” he said.
“There was an eeriness that hung over the pier — it was a terrible scene.”
Mr Joyce said the area is a popular swimming spot and noted that waters can change dramatically and quickly.
“The Swilly has a big tidal range — we can have four metres of tide there,” he said.
“The water behaves differently in different parts.”
He said the community was numb and in shock following the tragedy.
Evelyn McLoughlin principal of Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana, where Emmanuel attended, said there were “no words” that could “fully capture the pain and sorrow that we are feeling”.
“We are truly heartbroken,” she said.
Paying tribute Ms McLoughlin added: “Emmanuel embodied the true ethos of Scoil Mhuire, he was known for his warm personality, gentle humour and thoughtful nature.
“He immersed himself fully in our school community and was highly regarded by staff and students alike.”
Kevin Cooley, principal of Crana College, where Matt attended, said “there is a dark cloud of sadness over Buncrana”.
“Matt joined Crana College in January 2024, he was welcomed with open arms,” he said.
“He was preparing for his leaving cert at the start of June. He was a determined young man, he was the most respectful young man you could ever meet.
“We share our thoughts and prayers to the families.”
