Boy, 7, Dies After Sea Incident at Lissadell Beach
SLIGO – May 18, 2024 –
A tragic incident at Lissadell Beach in Co Sligo has resulted in the death of a seven-year-old boy, Alan Singh, on Saturday afternoon. Witnesses reported that the young boy was seen in difficulty in the water, leading to immediate rescue efforts. Despite the best efforts of bystanders, paramedics, and the Coast Guard, Singh sadly passed away. Local authorities are now evaluating safety measures at the beach, and the community is in deep mourning. For more updates, stay tuned to our news reports.
Tragedy at lissadell Beach: Boy,7,Dies After Sea Incident
A Community Mourns
The community of Ballisodare,Co Sligo,is in mourning after a seven-year-old boy,Alan Singh,tragically died following an incident in the sea off Lissadell Beach on Saturday afternoon. singh, a second-class pupil at St John’s National School, Ballisodare, was seen in difficulty in the water around 3 p.m.,prompting immediate action from bystanders.
St John’s National School has initiated its critical incident management policy to support students and staff during this difficult time.
Details of the Rescue attempt
eyewitnesses reported that paddle boarders brought the child back to shore, where two off-duty nurses immediately began CPR. Their efforts were soon joined by a paramedic winchman from the Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter,Gardaí,and ambulance paramedics.
The boy was then airlifted to Sligo University Hospital, but sadly, he later died.
Community Reaction
Sligo Councillor Tom MacSharry expressed the community’s profound grief, stating that thay are in shock at such a young boy losing his life in such tragic circumstances.
His family, friends, classmates and teachers are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sligo councillor Tom MacSharry
MacSharry also emphasized the need for a review of beach safety measures:
We were just celebrating two new Blue Flag status beaches at Enniscrone and Rosses Point beaches last week, but we’ll certainly have to urgently review the safety measures at all beaches in light of this tragedy.
Sligo Councillor Tom MacSharry
Eyewitness Accounts
The atmosphere at Lissadell Beach on Sunday was somber, with many expressing disbelief. One beachgoer, Voitek Stachyra, recounted the scene:
We saw one of the gardaí running across the water. We thought the person was going to be okay. There were so many paramedics there. They took the boy into the helicopter.He was this size, tiny.
Voitek Stachyra
Stachyra, who was observing the beach through his telescope, also noted the emotional toll on the first responders, saying he saw an ambulance paramedic crying afterward.
Another witness, ryan burns, expressed his regret at not being able to help, saying, I would never have thought something like that could have happened here. Everybody was shook … It’s so sad.
A man from bundoran, who was visiting Lissadell with his family, shared his viewpoint on the beach’s safety:
We’ve been coming here for years … We’ve been to every beach in the contry and this is by far the safest we feel, genuinely.
Unnamed visitor from Bundoran
Did you know?
Blue Flag status, mentioned by Councillor MacSharry, is an international award given to beaches and marinas that meet high standards of water quality, safety, and environmental management. The Blue Flag program is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was the boy who died?
Alan Singh,a seven-year-old from Ballisodare,Co Sligo. - Where did the incident occur?
Off Lissadell Beach in Co Sligo. - When did the incident happen?
Saturday afternoon around 3 p.m. - What is St John’s National School doing?
They have initiated their critical incident management policy.
Pro Tip: Beach Safety
Always supervise children closely near water. Be aware of tide conditions and potential hazards.If you see someone in distress, immediately call for help and, if trained, provide assistance.
