IRELAND: Zim teen (18) dies in sea tragedy: ‘the most respectful young man you could ever meet’

By Agencies

A ZIMBABWE-BORN teenager was identified as one of two who drowned during a sea tragedy in the Republic of Ireland at the weekend.

18-year-old Matt Sibanda lost his life after getting into difficulty while trying to retrieve a football from waters off the coast of Buncrana.

He died together with Emmanuel Familola (16), who was originally from Nigeria.

The tragedy unfolded on Saturday afternoon after the Irish Coast Guard received a report that there were a number of people in difficulty in the water.

A member of public raised the alarm around 4pm and Emmanuel was retrieved from the sea after a multi-agency search operation.

Sibanda was recovered from the water shortly before 10pm on Saturday, while a third teenage boy managed to swim towards the shore and is expected to make a full recovery.

All three were international protection applicants who had lived in the area with their families for a number of years and had attended school locally.

Tributes were paid to the two teenage boys with hundreds of people and local community and political leaders joining their families at a special service held Sunday to remember them.

Kevin Cooley, principal of Crana College, where Matt attended, added: “As beautiful as today is, there is a dark cloud of sadness over Buncrana.

“Matt joined Crana College in January 2024, he was welcomed with open arms,” he said.

“He was preparing for his leaving cert at the start of June. He was a determined young man, he was the most respectful young man you could ever meet.

“We share our thoughts and prayers to the families.”

Cooley also thanked the emergency service for their efforts.

Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown who led the service told mourners: “It’s no surprise that there are so many from this generous, welcoming community here today to gather round the two bereaved families because we’re all scarred by this – and memories of past losses are awakened again.”

Local priest Fr Francis Bradley emphasised the need for safety around the water.

“We’ve had so many tragedies here, far too many like this,” he said.

“These young lads I suppose just weren’t aware of the dangers. It’s beautiful, yes, but there are tremendous dangers, especially when the tide is pulling out, there are huge currents.”

The boys had been living with their families in IPAS (International Protection Accomodation Services) in the town for asylum seekers.

Fr Francis Bradley added: “These are new parishioners. They’re not immigrants, they’re new parishioners, new members of our community.”

Donegal councillor Joy Beard commented: “This is a profoundly sad day for our community.

“In the days and weeks ahead, may the affected families find strength and comfort.

“As a community, we will stand with them and support them in every way we can.”