Irish emergency services have recovered the body of 16-year-old Nigerian teenager Emmanuel Familola, who tragically drowned while swimming in Lough Swilly near the Buncrana Community in County Donegal.
According to local reports from Raidió Teilifís Éireann, the incident occurred on Saturday, May 10, when Emmanuel and two other teenagers encountered difficulties while swimming.
A witness alerted authorities, prompting a major air and sea search operation.
Emmanuel’s body was recovered later that night between Ned’s Point and Fahan and was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital.
One of the teenagers managed to swim ashore, while another was rescued and hospitalized in serious condition.
Irish lawmaker Padraig Mac Lochlainn, who represents the Donegal Constituency, confirmed that both Emmanuel and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda died in the incident. In response, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support their grieving families.
“There has been widespread shock and sadness following the deaths of these two young men,” Lochlainn wrote on Facebook.
Insight Inishowen, a local charity involved in the effort, stated that over €41,000 had been raised—surpassing the initial €40,000 goal.
The funds will be split equally between the families of the two deceased teenagers.
“We are heartbroken by their loss and want to do everything to ease the financial burden during this time of unimaginable pain,” the organization said.
This tragedy follows a similar incident reported by PUNCH Metro on May 9, involving 16-year-old UK-based Nigerian Valentine Ikechukwu, who drowned at Colwick Country Park in Nottingham on April 30.