Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown has spoken of the “terrible loss” inflicted upon the families of the two young men who perished in yesterday’s drowning tragedy in Buncrana.
He was speaking at a special vigil held for the victims at a packed St Mary’s Oratory, as the family and friends of the victims were joined by many members of the local community to remember Matt Sibanda and Emmanuel Famiola.
The two friends tragically drowned after getting into difficulty in the water just off of Ned’s Point in Buncrana yesterday afternoon.
A third teenage boy luckily managed to swim to shore, where he was also transferred to hospital for treatment.
Numerous representatives from the local and national political scene attended the vigil.
Members of the emergency services and the search and rescue crews who battled valiantly to save the teenagers’ lives were also present.
“Yesterday at this time, 24 hours ago, the sun was shining, sky was blue, sea was attractive, everything was wonderful. today a dark cloud has come over everybody in different ways, but especially the families of Emmanuel and Matt,” Bishop McKeown said at the beginning of the ceremony.
“Whatever our reason for being here today, can we open our hearts with othing but questions, with no answers, facing the awfulness of death, the suddenness of loss, and the terrible wounds left by those who are snatched from us.”
“Many of you here in this packed church this afternoon and some outside as well, this tragedy has obviously affected all sorts of different people in different ways.”
“We have two families who came here and found welcome in Buncrana, who travelled here for safety, and found this tragedy.”
In his homily, Bishop McKeown said that many had turned up to show solidarity, through experiencing past traumas in the area themselves.
“The community is affected as well, as there are many people here who have also been touched by other tragedies in their lives, in the water or on land.”
“Many of our young people are always very much affected by occasions from this, when you lose a schoolmate from Crana College or Scoil Mhuire – the ground seems to move from under your feet.”
He also emphasised the role that the local community has played in supporting the families of Matt and Emmanuel in the day following such an unspeakable tragedy.
“It’s no surprise that there are so many from this generous, welcoming community here today to gather around the two bereaved families, as we are all scarred by this, and memories of past losses are awakened again.”
“Christians are in the season of Easter, but events like this bring us back to Good Friday. A mother at the foot of the cross, as her son is dying, and she is helpless. While there are no words, just tears.”
“Tears of incomprehension, tears of love, tears of loss. Life is so precious, and so fragile.”
