‘We send love and solidarity to the young men's parents': Anti-racism group holds Derry vigil for Buncrana drowning victims

Belfast Telegraph

12-05-2025

United Against Racism: Derry and North West campaigners have held a short vigil in memory of the two young men who tragically lost their lives in Co Donegal at the weekend.
Emmanuel Familola (16), originally from Nigeria, and Matt Sibanda (18), from Zimbabwe, died after getting into difficulty in the water near Buncrana on Saturday.
A third teenage boy managed to make it back to shore.
The RNLI, Malin Head Coastguard, Irish Coast Guard helicopter, drones and people who had been involved in a yacht all took part in efforts to locate the teenagers.
Both of the young men who died attended school in Buncrana, with Matt a student of Crana College and Emmanuel attending Scoil Mhuire.
All three were international protection applicants who had lived in the area with their families.
Yesterday evening, people gathered at the Famine Statues along Derry's quay to remember the victims of this tragedy.
They also reflected on those who have lost their lives in the Foyle and 'all those who have perished at sea while trying to escape war and famine'.
The sombre act of remembrance concluded with the placing of flowers into the Foyle.
'The tragic deaths of these extremely popular young men in Buncrana has left a community heartbroken,' said Davy McAuley from United Against Racism.
'The displays of solidarity and strength given to their families by the community stands in sharp contrast to the hate being generated by online; grifters who want to divide communities and make Donegal an uncomfortable and unwelcoming place for those who come to the county to make a new life for themselves.
'Our empathy and basic human decency means we respect, love and cherish anyone who lives in this place.
'We send love and solidarity to the parents of the young men. We assure them that the community across Derry and Inishowen will always be there for them.'
The United Against Racism group were 'deeply shocked and saddened' by the tragic events on Saturday.
'The incredible weather over the weekend provided an opportunity for young people who have made their lives here to enjoy the beauty and natural wonders of Buncrana,' Mr McAuley said.
'Their tragic deaths have brought a community together and serves as a stark reminder that no matter who we are or where we come from, we are all the same. We face adversity together and we unite in basic solidarity remembering the old mantra 'an injury to one is an injury to all'.'
He praised community cohesion as people assisted the emergency services in their heroic attempts to rescue the young men.