Tributes paid to two brothers tragically swept into sea while fishing off Clare coast

TRIBUTES are being paid to two brothers who died tragically after falling into the sea while fishing off the Clare coast.

The two men, Salahuddin Safi (20s) and Tajuddin Safi (30s), entered the water at Doonbeg on Tuesday. They were originally from Afghanistan and were part of a group of five who had travelled from Limerick. 

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They were living in Limerick city, having moved here around 10 years ago and both men worked locally.

The men had travelled to Doonbeg before and were there on a fishing trip.

Both men were removed from the water and subsequently pronounced deceased.

Post-mortem examinations will take place in due course and a file will be prepared for the Coroner.

Speaking to Limerick Live, Cllr Azad Talukder, said the two men were brothers.

"When this incident happened there was three brothers there and their cousin was there... They often go to County Clare for the rock fishing," the Limerick City West councillor explained.

Cllr Talukder added that he used to pray in the same mosque as the brothers. "They're very nice people... All I can say is may Allah bless their soul."

He concluded: "As the local councillor, I want to say we stand together for their family."

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Cllr Catherine Slattery, Príomh Chomhairleoir for Limerick City and County Council also paid tribute to the men, saying that she was very saddened to hear of this tragedy.

"It's very sad that they lost their lives while doing something they love. I know a lot of people love fishing and it's very sad to lose your life while doing something you love. It's a very sad day and my sincere condolences to the families of these two men."

Speaking on Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1, John Draper, Divisional Controller for the Valencia Marine Rescue Coordination Centre said the Centre received a call from the gardai advising that two anglers had been swept off the rocks.

"It was close to the Blue Pool, which is in the Pulleen Bay area and that's just outside Doonbeg. The conditions at the time were treacherous. When the units got on scene, they advised sea conditions were high at the time, and they were hitting the top of the cliff where the two men had been fishing.

"The sea conditions really were extremely turbulent at the base of the cliff... Had anyone got into the water there the chances of survival were certainly limited," added Mr Draper.

The Irish Coast Guard said the alarm was raised at around 2.15pm on Tuesday after its Marine Rescue Coordination Sub-centre (MRSC) at Valentia was notified by An Garda Siochana that two persons had fallen into the sea at the Blue Pool in Pulleen Bay outside Doonbeg.

"A search was initiated with the Coast Guard helicopter R115 from Shannon, Kilkee Coast Guard Unit, Doolin Coast Guard Unit and the Aran Island Lifeboat on scene. At approximately 4pm, the Coast Guard helicopter R115 located two bodies within the search area identified by MRSC Valentia," said a spokesperson for the Irish Coast Guard.

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After the bodies were located, the Aran Island Lifeboat recovered them from the sea as part of the coordinated operation. Sea conditions were reported to be very rough at the scene.

The Coast Guard has extended its sympathy to the families and friends of the two anglers who lost their lives.

An Garda Siochana are in the process of liaising with the families of both men and investigations will be carried out for the local coroner.