The head of the RNLI rescue team who attended the Buncrana drowning tragedy has revealed that heartbroken relatives of those who died have now become like family to them.
John McCarter, Operations Manager with the Lough Swilly RNLI, said both the James and McGrotty families have become strong supporters of their organisation.
Mr McCarter was invited to pay a special tribute to all those involved in the rescue at the end of this week’s emotional inquest into the deaths of five members of the one family.
Coroner Dr Denis McCauley said it was only fitting that the brave members of the voluntary team were allowed to speak.
“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Louise and members of the McGrotty family. We have come to know them and they have become loyal supporters of the Lough Swilly RNLI and part of that family,” said Mr McArter.
He paid a special personal tribute to the 25 members of the RNLI crew who arrived on scene on the evening of March 20th, 2016.
“The 25 crew members were on the pier most of the evening. My crew have been complimented and I would like to also pay tribute to their willingness to their service,” headed.
Throughout the inquest at the Lake of Shadows Hotel, tributes were paid to the bravery and commitment of the local RNLI.
RNLI diver John O’Raw told how he made 20 separate dives in murky visibility in a bid to find the bodies caught in the wreckage of the family’s Audi Q7 jeep.
Others including RNLI volunteer Emmet Johnston recovered a body in the water and brought it brought it ashore and attempted to give the person CPR.
Mr McCarter, said the awful day will remain with the wider community for a long time to come.
“Every one of us will carry that incident with us for a very a long time,” he said.
“I’m sure many people will be much more wary of the sea because of it.
“The community is resilient at the same time; it does pick itself up and try to move on.”
