In a heart-wrenching incident near Buncrana in County Donegal, two teenage boys tragically lost their lives after encountering difficulties in the water. The victims have been identified as 16-year-old Emmanuel Familola, originally from Nigeria, and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda, from Zimbabwe. The community has been deeply affected by their loss, and hundreds gathered for a special service at St Mary’s Convent in Buncrana, led by the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, to honor the young men. The tragic event unfolded on a Saturday afternoon when the Irish Coast Guard received an urgent report about several individuals in distress in the water. An 18-year-old male was found later that evening, and a juvenile, who was pulled from the water, unfortunately succumbed to his condition in the early hours of Sunday at Letterkenny University Hospital. A third teenager managed to return safely to shore. Evelyn McLoughlin, the principal of Scoil Mhuire, where Emmanuel was a student, expressed the profound grief felt by the school community. She described Emmanuel as a young man who embodied the true ethos of the school, known for his warm personality, gentle humor, and thoughtful nature. McLoughlin emphasized that Emmanuel was highly regarded by both staff and students and promised to support his brother, who is also a student at Scoil Mhuire, during this unimaginably difficult time. Kevin Cooley, the principal of Crana College, where Matt was a student, shared similar sentiments of loss. He noted the somber mood that enveloped Buncrana, despite the beauty of the day. Cooley reflected on Matt’s determination and respectfulness, highlighting his preparations for his leaving certificate examinations. He expressed the school’s condolences and gratitude to the emergency services for their efforts. Local priest Fr. Francis Bradley spoke about the devastating impact on the families, describing the profound sorrow of a mother mourning her son. He drew parallels to Michelangelo’s Pietà, observing the poignant and powerful display of a mother’s love in the face of such tragedy. Bradley emphasized the community’s inclusive spirit, viewing the boys and their families not as outsiders but as integral members of the parish. Joe Joyce from Lough Swilly RNLI recounted the swift response to the distress call, deploying two lifeboats to assist. A former RNLI crew member, who happened to be nearby in his personal boat, managed to rescue a 16-year-old from the water. As darkness fell, the search continued with the help of the Coast Guard’s drone, which detected an object later identified as the second teenager, who was subsequently pronounced dead by the doctor on scene. The mayor of Inishowen, Sinn Féin's Jack Murray, expressed the community’s devastation over the loss. He reflected on the tragedy occurring on a day that was otherwise filled with joy due to Donegal’s victory in the Ulster Championship. Murray paid tribute to the young men, acknowledging their different nationalities and talents, and emphasized the community’s shared grief and support for the grieving families. Councillor Joy Beard echoed these sentiments, remarking on the shock felt throughout Buncrana. She described the town as a strong community that would rally around the families during this difficult time, also extending her gratitude to the emergency services and the coast guard. Fianna Fáil councillor Foinán Bradley highlighted the teenagers’ integration into the Buncrana community, noting the fondness and connections they had built over the years. He described the community’s collective numbness following the incident and the somber atmosphere that pervaded the area in the aftermath. The tragic loss of Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda has left a profound impact on the Buncrana community, bringing together people from all walks of life to mourn and support one another. The heartfelt tributes and expressions of solidarity underscore the close-knit nature of the community and its commitment to embracing and supporting all its members, regardless of their origins.