Claddaghduff in shock after double drowning

Date Published: 23-Apr-2009

A SMALL fishing community in North Connemara was thrown into a state of shock and mourning when two local fishermen drowned off the coast of Claddaghduff on Tuesday.

Investigators from the Marine Casualty Investigation Board are expected to arrive in Claddaghduff in the coming days to carry out an inquiry into the double drowning of Tony Coohill and Féichín Mulkerrin.

Mr Coohill, (36) was married with two young children and it is understood his youngest, a new born, was baptised recently while Mr Mulkerrin (58) was a father of six and a grandfather.

The two men are from the Claddaghduff area and both had previously lost brothers at sea in separate drowning accidents years ago.

The pair set out to sea in a newly built motorised currach from the local Aughris Pier at about 8.30am Tuesday to check on lobster pots. Weather and sea conditions at the time were described by Donal O’ Scanaill of Clifden Lifeboat Station as good – it was sunny, with a slight breeze and visibility was good, he said.

Locals say a drag or swell was running close to the coastline and it is believed the currach may have been swamped by a sudden swell.

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