Emergency responders in Ireland have recovered the body of 16-year-old Nigerian national Emmanuel Familola, who tragically drowned while swimming in a river located in the Buncrana community.
According to a report by local broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann, the incident occurred on Saturday, May 10, when the teenager and two others found themselves in distress while in the water.
Witnesses at the scene quickly raised the alarm, prompting authorities to launch a comprehensive search and rescue mission.
“The body of a teenager has been recovered from waters off the coast of Co Donegal after three teenagers got into difficulty while swimming in Lough Swilly yesterday afternoon.
“The body was discovered last night between Ned’s Point and Fahan, close to the town of Buncrana, and was removed to Letterkenny University Hospital. It followed an extensive air and sea rescue operation to find the teenager who was missing.
“The alarm was raised after the teenagers, aged between 16 and 19, encountered difficulty while swimming around 4 p.m. One of the teenagers managed to swim ashore. A third was taken from the sea and was brought to Letterkenny General Hospital, where his condition is said to be very serious.”
In response to the tragedy, Padraig Mac Lochlainn, a member of the Irish Parliament representing Donegal, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the families of the deceased.
He confirmed via Facebook that the victims included 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda.
“There has been widespread shock and sadness following the deaths of 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda in the drowning tragedy,” he wrote.
He added, “A GoFundMe page has just been set up by Insight Inishowen to raise funds to help cover the funeral costs for their devastated families.
“As of the latest check, the fundraising effort had surpassed its €40,000 goal, reaching €41,515.The description on the GoFundMe page stated that the proceeds will be distributed equally between the two bereaved families.
“As one of the member groups of The Exchange Community Centre, on behalf of the whole Buncrana Community that has been devastated by Saturday’s tragic loss of two beautiful teenagers, Insight Inishowen is raising funds to help support the devastated families.
“Having the privilege to know the boys and the families, we are heartbroken by their loss and want to do everything to help ease the financial burden at a time of such unimaginable pain and loss.
“Please, join us in supporting them in their darkest hour. As a registered charity, Insight Inishowen will ensure that every penny raised will be divided equally between the two grieving families,” the campaign message read.
According to PUNCH Metro, a similar tragedy has earlier occurred on May 9, involving another 16-year-old Nigerian, Valentine Ikechukwu, whose body was recovered from Colwick Country Park in the United Kingdom after he drowned while swimming on April 30.
Authorities in Nottinghamshire confirmed that the teenager had encountered difficulties while in the lake.
