Arranmore Lifeboat.
A BOATING tragedy claimed the lives of two people at Malin Head on Tuesday afternoon. However the swift response of visitors staying in the area to calls for help coming from the sea probably saved the life of the third person.
Those who died have been named as Gerry Doherty (early 60s) originally from Malin who had lived in Carndonagh before moving to Derry.
The teenager who died was Thomas Weir (16) who had been here on holiday from Scotland. The sole survivor is believed to be resident in Monaghan and has been discharged form hospital.
All three were in a 16 foot cabin cruiser which capsized about half a mile from shore.
The RNLI and a local fishermen managed to get the stricken vessel ashore at the larger Portaleen Pier and placed it on a trailer before handing it over to gardai for examination.
RNLI spokesperson Mr Joe Joyce praised the quick response of the visitors who heard the men’s cries for help as well as the vessels which answered the MAYDAY call so promptly and picked up the sole survivor.
“Their prompt actions probably saved the life of the third person. More than 40 volunteers and emergency services attended. We offer our sincere sympathy to the families of the deceased at this difficult time,” Mr Joyce concluded.
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