A second teenager has died following a tragic swimming incident off the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal on Saturday afternoon, deepening the grief that has gripped the local community.
The alarm was raised at approximately 4pm when three teenagers, aged between 16 and 19, got into difficulty while swimming in the sea near Ned’s Point. A passer-by who witnessed the unfolding situation alerted authorities, triggering a major multi-agency search and rescue operation.
One of the teenagers managed to reach shore unaided, while another was pulled from the water by rescuers and rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital. He was later pronounced dead.
The third youth, who could not be located during the initial stages of the operation, was recovered from the water between Ned’s Point and Fahan at around 9pm on Saturday night. His death was later confirmed, bringing the toll to two.
The third young man involved in the incident remains in hospital, though his condition has not been officially disclosed.
The operation involved a significant emergency response, with the RNLI lifeboats from Buncrana supported by coastguard units from Mulroy and Greencastle. Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo also participated in the effort, alongside around a dozen local yachts that volunteered in the search.
Prayers were offered at masses across the Inishowen Peninsula on Sunday morning for the victims and their families. The town of Buncrana remains in shock, with many residents expressing heartbreak over the recurring tragedies that have touched the area.
Local councillor Jack Murray described the atmosphere as one of profound sorrow. “There are no words to describe how the community in Buncrana feels following this tragedy,” he said. “Our emergency services have once again demonstrated courage and professionalism in unthinkable circumstances.
“We have been hit with so many tragedies and horrendous events in this area. Each time the emergency services are called upon, they stand up without fail.”
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families and the wider community coping with the devastating loss of two young lives.
