Pupils at Deele College, Raphoe were coming to terms with the tragic loss of a peer on their return to school after a 1st year pupil lost his life when he was swept into the River Foyle in St Johnston on Monday evening.

Thirteen-year-old Brian Mc Daid from Ard na Mela, St Johnston – the second eldest in a family of four - was along with two friends when tragedy struck and the boys became stuck in the rising tide.

Two of the boys narrowly escaped but their attempts to save their friend were unsuccessful. The two survivors are said to be “absolutely devastated”.

The teenagers ran into difficulty when they ventured out on low tide onto raised ground and further out onto an island of ground on the river.

But as the tide turned, it resulted in the three becoming embroiled in a desperate attempt to reach safety with young Brian becoming stuck in a blind hole unable to move his feet.

Principal at Deele College PJ McGowan confirmed that students at the school were receiving counselling to cope with the shocking news “He was a very caring young man. It is a great tragedy and loss to the school. It is an extremely difficult and traumatic time. Pupils have been receiving help and counselling all day and the service has been exceptional. Parents are also bringing students who are off today to the school to avail of the service. We could have been dealing with a treble tragedy but all we can do is offer support.”

Local parish priest Monsignor Dan Carr said the community had been “numbed by the tragedy.”

A major air and sea rescue operation involving a rescue helicopter from Sligo, boats from Greencastle Coastguard and the Foyle Search and Rescue team took place following the alarm being raised. Finbar O’Connor, Malin Head Station Officer, said volunteer kayakers had also assisted the search effort.

The young man’s body was discovered at around 9pm on Monday night and Monsignor Carr said that thanks to the efforts of the local community and those involved in the rescue team it was some consolation to the family that the teenager’s body was found.