Five dead and baby girl rescued in major tragedy at Buncrana Pier

A coastguard helicopter from Sligo plus a number of RNLI crews attended the scene of the tragedy as did a fleet of ambulances and Fire Brigade Appliances.

Gardaí, Emergency Services and the Coast Guard attended the scene following reports that a car had entered the water at Buncrana Pier. The baby was saved with the help of a bystander.

A Garda statement confirmed: “A search of the area was carried out and five bodies were recovered from the water, three males, one adult/two children and two females, one adult and the age of the second to be established. The five bodies were taken to Letterkenny General Hospital where post mortems are to be arranged.

“A baby girl was rescued from the car, with the assistance of a bystander. The baby is currently in a stable condition at Letterkenny General Hospital.”

Gardaí are appealing for witnessess and anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 9320540, The Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111 or any Garda Station.

The Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness has described the incident as a “devastating tragedy”.

He said; “My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the devastating tragedy unfolding in Buncrana this evening. Our thoughts and appreciation must also be with the emergency services who have had to deal with this tragic situation.”

Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said: “My thoughts and prayers are with those involved in the tragic incident in Buncrana, County Donegal this evening. Very sad news.”