A 16-year-old Nigerian teenager, Emmanuel Familola, who tragically drowned while swimming in a river in Buncrana, Ireland, has been laid to rest. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 10, 2025, when Emmanuel and two other teenagers faced swimming difficulties. A rescue operation was launched after witnesses raised the alarm. The search and rescue team recovered Emmanuel’s body from the waters off the coast of County Donegal, near Buncrana, after an extensive air and sea operation.
The teenagers, aged 16 to 19, were swimming in Lough Swilly when the incident occurred around 4 p.m. One of the teens made it safely to shore, while a second was pulled from the water and rushed to Letterkenny General Hospital in serious condition. The search for Emmanuel continued through the night.
On May 17, 2025, Emmanuel’s funeral service was held at St. Mary’s Oratory in Buncrana, attended by family, friends, and the local community. Fr. Francis Bradley, the parish priest, spoke about Emmanuel’s magnetic personality and how he connected with people from all walks of life. During the service, items symbolizing Emmanuel’s life and passions were brought to the altar, including a photo collage from his recent work experience at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, a certificate marking his achievement, a Manchester City shirt representing his love of football, and his Bible, reflecting his strong faith.
Emmanuel was laid to rest after the service at Cockhill Cemetery in Buncrana.
