A second young man has died following a swimming tragedy yesterday off the coast of Buncrana in the Inishowen Peninsula.

Three young men aged between 16 and 19 got into difficulty while swimming  near Lisfannon beach, at around 2pm on Saturday afternoon.

A major search operation involving both volunteers and members of the emergency services got underway after a member of the public raised the alarm.

One of the teenagers managed to swim to shore and is now in care at Letterkenny University Hospital.

A second teenager was taken from the sea by rescuers and rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he passed away overnight despite the best efforts of medics to save his life.

The body of the third young man was recovered from the water between Ned’s Point and Fahan at about 9pm last night.

The multi-agency search operation included the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter, several RNLI lifeboats, local boats as well as Garda units and ambulance services.

Local county councillor Jack Murray said there were no words to describe how the community in Buncrana felt following the tragedy.

He praised the work of local volunteers as well as all of the emergency services who assisted in the search and rescue operation.

He said “Our emergency services have once again demonstrated courage and professionalism in unthinkable circumstances.

Condolences from the public are flooding in for the young men and their families.

100% Redress Councillor Joy Beard said:

“This is a 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.

I want to sincerely thank the emergency services — the Coast Guard, RNLI, Gardaí, ambulance crews and all volunteers — for their efforts under such tragic and difficult circumstances”.