Two friends who died in Donegal swimming tragedy named
Stephen Maguire
Two friends who died after getting into difficulty while swimming in sunny weather off the coast of Co Donegal have been named.
Emmanuel Famiola and Matt Siband died after a tragic incident close to Ned's Point off Buncrana at approximately 4pm on Saturday.
A third teenager managed to swim to the shoreline and is recovering at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Local reports say the group were trying to retrieve a football from the sea and all three got into difficulty.
A large-scale search and rescue operation swung into action yesterday after a passing member of the public noticed the teenagers, aged between 16 and 19, had got into difficulty.
Mr Famiola was plucked from the sea just after the incident but died at Letterkenny University Hospital overnight.
The body of another of the teens, Mr Siband, was found by the Greencastle Coastguard in the sea between Ned's Point and Fahan on Saturday night about 9pm.
Both of the deceased young men had come to Ireland from overseas with their families and were attending local secondary schools in Buncrana.
Matt, whose family are originally from Zimbabwe, was a student at Crana College, while Emmanuel, who family was from Nigeria, attended Scoil Mhuire.
A spokesperson for the Donegal Education Training Board said the entire community of Crana College and Scoil Mhuire, including students, staff, Board of Managements, and parents, are heartbroken following the tragic events.
"It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the loss of our beloved students, Emmanuel and Matt, who tragically lost their lives at sea.
"Our heartfelt condolences go to Matt and Emmanuel’s families, who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their cherished sons and loved ones."
Upon learning of the tragedy, Crana College and Scoil Mhuire immediately activated their Critical Incident Plans.
The schools' Student Support Teams, Critical Incident Teams, and entire staff are working closely together to provide comfort and support to students, parents, and colleagues during the difficult time.
Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and Donegal ETB are also offering professional guidance to ensure the wellbeing of all affected.
Principals Kevin Cooley (Crana College) and Evelyn McLoughlin (Scoil Mhuire) said words cannot fully express the heartache being felt in both schools.
"Our school communities are devastated by this heartbreaking loss. Emmanuel and Matt were deeply respected and valued members of our student bodies, and their passing has left us all in profound shock.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and with the wider Buncrana community. This is a tragedy that words cannot fully express.
"In the coming days, weeks, and months, we will continue to support our students, families, and staff with care and compassion. Our priority remains the wellbeing of everyone in our community. Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to the emergency services and rescue teams for their swift and courageous response."
Crana College and Scoil Mhuire said they will provide a space for students, staff, and parents to gather, support one another, and begin the healing process.
The schools say they will both reopen as normal on Monday, with extensive supports in place for those affected.
Meanwhile, a 'vigil of hope', led by Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, will be held in St Mary’s Oratory in Buncrana on Sunday at 4pm.
Local parish priest, Fr Francis Bradley, attended the tragic scene at Buncrana Pier last night.
Fr Bradley prayed for the young men at Mass earlier today.
He said that this was obviously not the first time that tragedy had struck Buncrana and that there was a "terrible feeling" about the town.
Fr Bradley said he was aware the men were resident in the local IPAS centre but said "These are new parishioners. They're not immigrants, they're new parishioners, new members of our community."
He added that the young men may not have know the era in which they were swimming well.
"These young lads I suppose just weren't aware of the dangers. It's beautiful, yes, but there are tremendous dangers, especially when the tide is pulling out, there are huge currents.
"Unfortunately they were not able to fight that, or maybe to understand how to go along with it until they could find a little eddy where they could maybe get out of the water.
"Who knows how any of us would react in such circumstances," Fr Bradley added.
Councillor Jack Murray said the town of Buncrana was just "numb".
"There are no words when something like this happens. The town is just numb. These two young men were only starting out in life and this terrible tragedy has stolen their lives from them. It's heartbreaking," he said.
