Northern Ireland

Lifebelts still not replaced at scene of Buncrana pier tragedy

The scene at the pier in Buncrana Co Donegal, a month after five members of the McGrotty and Daniels family drowned after their vehicle slipped into Lough Swilly at the bottom of this slipway. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
The scene at the pier in Buncrana Co Donegal, a month after five members of the McGrotty and Daniels family drowned after their vehicle slipped into Lough Swilly at the bottom of this slipway. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin The scene at the pier in Buncrana Co Donegal, a month after five members of the McGrotty and Daniels family drowned after their vehicle slipped into Lough Swilly at the bottom of this slipway. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

LIFE-SAVING equipment remains broken on Buncrana pier a full month after the tragic deaths of five people when their car slid into the water.

A gate to the slipway has been closed since the drowning tragedy on March 20.

However, a missing lifebelt on the pier has not yet been replaced and its broken holder has not been repaired despite the fact that visitors continue to call at the scene.

Five members of the McGrotty and Daniels family, including three children, perished when a trip to the popular Lough Swilly destination turned to tragedy.

Derry woman Louise James's partner Sean McGrotty (49), sons Evan (8) and Mark (12), mother Ruth Daniels (57) and sister Jodie-Lee Daniels (14) drowned when their car slipped on algae on the slipway.

The only survivor was the couple's four-month-old daughter Rioghanagh-Ann who was brought to safety by rescue hero Davitt Walsh (29).

As the family desperately tried to escape the sinking car, Mr McGrotty handed the baby to Mr Walsh who had swum out to the vehicle.

The Derry man then returned to his family in the car as it slipped under the waves.

Tonight Ms James will mark the month’s mind anniversary of the tragedy at a Mass in Derry.

In a post on her Facebook site, she said: “Just a little reminder that the month's Mass for Sean, Mark, Evan, Jodie-Lee and Ruth is this Wednesday at 7.15 in Holy Family chapel, Ballymagroarty.”

Following last month’s tragic events, it was revealed that it wasn’t the first time a car had slid from the slipway into the sea.

Buncrana lifeboat crew said a car had slid into the water while launching a boat although the driver managed to escape.

Donegal County Council, which owns and manages the pier, said an investigation into the tragedy was continuing.

A spokeswoman said: “After the facts surrounding this unfortunate tragedy in Buncrana are established, the council will review them and determine if any specific measures need to be taken.”

As Ms James tries to come to terms with her devastating loss, a huge effort has been launched to support her.

So far, a fundraising campaign has gathered more than £85,000 for the grief-stricken Derry woman.

Last weekend, Ms James’s parish priest Fr Paddy O’Kane launched an envelope collection to help the family.

Fr O’Kane said: “We gave out envelopes for the McGrotty/Daniels family. The proceeds will be given to Louise James to be used at her own discretion.”