Urgent Rescue: Teen and Uncle Saved from Drowning in Donegal Lake

UPDATE: A heroic rescue took place last Saturday at Lough na Tooey in Donegal, where a young teenager and his uncle narrowly escaped drowning thanks to the swift actions of two brave individuals. The quick response from Caitlin McFadden, 17, and Matthew Corr, 23, prevented a potential tragedy that could have unfolded in just moments.

The incident began when a distressed woman flagged down Caitlin and her mother, urgently informing them that two boys were struggling in the water. “She just kept repeating that there were two boys in the water who needed help,” Caitlin recalled. Without hesitation, Caitlin jumped out of the car, recognizing the gravity of the situation.

Simultaneously, Matthew, a qualified lifeguard from Ballymena, Co Antrim, was driving back from a trip when he encountered the same woman frantically waving her arms. “I immediately took my seatbelt off as Dad stopped the car and jumped out to hear her screaming that her son was drowning,” Matthew stated, reflecting on the urgency of the moment.

Caitlin and Matthew, who did not know each other prior to this ordeal, rushed to the lake where they found the two victims—a 14-year-old boy and his uncle, both in distress. “There was no time to think, just run off your instincts,” Caitlin said, describing how they quickly entered the water to assist.

Matthew detailed the rescue plan, “I climbed down through the bushes and de-robed. I got in the water while shouting instructions to the pair.” He swam approximately 100 meters to reach the rowboat from which the boys had jumped, rowing another 50 to 60 meters to reach them.

As the situation intensified, Caitlin described the chaotic scene: “The younger boy was jumping up and down in the water.” Matthew worked with Caitlin and another rescuer to get the boys safely onto the boat. “I managed to get to the pair in time. I figured the 14-year-old would go into shock quickly and worked to get both boys into the boat,” he added.

After successfully bringing the boys back to shore, medical assistance was called. Caitlin treated the younger boy for shock while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. “We were very, very lucky,” Caitlin reflected, acknowledging the critical timing that led to their successful rescue.

Both Caitlin and Matthew have since been in contact with the victims’ family, who reported that both the uncle and nephew are recovering well after the harrowing experience. Matthew received a heartfelt message from the older gentleman, who expressed gratitude and noted, “If they were in for another 30 seconds, they would be gone.”

This incident highlights the importance of instinctive bravery in emergency situations. Caitlin and Matthew’s quick thinking and decisive action saved lives, demonstrating how ordinary individuals can become heroes in moments of crisis. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of community and the urgent need for swift responses in life-threatening scenarios.

As the community celebrates their courage, this rescue reinforces the critical role of lifesaving training and the human instinct to help others in peril.