Zimbabwean Teen Among Two African Students Mourned After Tragic Drowning in Ireland
Zimbabwean Teen Among Two African Students Mourned After Tragic Drowning in Ireland – Heartbreak has gripped communities in Ireland and beyond, as two African teenagers—one from Zimbabwe and another from Nigeria—tragically lost their lives in a drowning incident off the coast of Buncrana, County Donegal.
Eighteen-year-old Matt Sibanda, a Zimbabwean student at Crana College, was confirmed as one of the victims alongside 16-year-old Nigerian student Emmanuel Familola, who attended Scoil Mhuire Buncrana.
The incident occurred when three teenagers got into difficulty while swimming.
One managed to escape, while another was rescued but sadly died in hospital.
The body of the third, believed to be Matt, was recovered later.
The tragedy has left both school communities shattered.
Crana College released a heartfelt message on Facebook, confirming the passing of Matt Sibanda:
“Our heartfelt condolences go to Matt’s family, who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their cherished son and loved one. The entire community of Crana College is heartbroken following the tragic events that occurred in Buncrana on Saturday.”
The school immediately activated its Critical Incident Plan and is working with psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service to provide emotional support.
“Crana College will provide a space for students, staff, and parents to gather, support one another, and begin the healing process,” the statement added.
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Across town, Scoil Mhuire Buncrana was also mourning the death of Emmanuel Familola. In their tribute, the school wrote:
“There are no words that can fully capture the pain and sorrow we are feeling right now. We are truly heartbroken.”
Described as kind, ambitious, and grateful, Emmanuel had just finished his Transition Year and was excited about starting Senior Cycle.
“He was highly regarded by both staff and students. Just last week, he completed work experience at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin,” the school noted.
The Principal of Scoil Mhuire said their priority now is to support Emmanuel’s brother, Daniel, and the wider student community as they process the devastating loss.
As tributes poured in, a candlelight vigil was held at St Mary’s Oratory in Buncrana, where hundreds gathered to honour the lives of the two boys. Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry led the emotional ceremony.
Messages of unity and shared grief were evident as both schools remembered the boys in similar tones. “Our thoughts and prayers are also with Scoil Mhuire’s school community in their loss of Emmanuel,” Crana College added.
The Buncrana tragedy has reminded many of the fragility of life and the shared humanity that transcends borders. For Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora, the loss of Matt Sibanda is a painful reminder of how precious—and unpredictable—life can be.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse — May their souls rest in peace.
