‘Dark cloud’ over Kilmacrennan following fishing accident

A man in his 40s and his teenage son died in a drowning incident near Kilmacrennan in Co Donegal on Thursday.
‘Dark cloud’ over Kilmacrennan following fishing accident

Tributes have been paid to a father and son who drowned after a family day out in Co Donegal.

The pair died after they had gone fishing at Lough Keel in Kilmacrennan on Thursday and got into difficulty.

Gardai in Milford said they recovered two bodies on Thursday evening.

Gardai, helped by members of the Rescue 118 helicopter, the Mulroy coastguard and Sheephaven sub-aqua unit, were called to a search operation on Lough Keel shortly after 3pm.

One teenage boy was rescued from the Lough and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment.

Local councillor Michael McBride told the PA news agency there is a “dark cloud” hanging over the area as the community reels from the tragedy.

“People are understandably saddened and shocked over what has happened,” he said. “For a family day out to end up like this is just unthinkable.

“The family had only moved to the area in the past few weeks so it was an unfortunate beginning to their new life in Ireland.

“I understand they were fishing from the shore and got into difficulty. The coastguard and authorities were on the scene very quickly and managed to find the two bodies and pull the other son to safety.

“It is very traumatic for the son who survived the incident and the community wish him a speedy recovery.

“On behalf of Kilmacrennan I want to offer my condolence to the man’s family and let them know we are united in our grief.”

Gardai said the bodies of a man aged in his 40s and one teenager were recovered from the Lough and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital on Thursday. Post-mortem examinations are expected to take place on Friday.

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