25-year commemoration for diver who died in Mayo sea rescue

A VOLUNTEER diver who lost his life in a rescue operation off the north Mayo coast 25 years ago will be remembered at a special commemoration ceremony this month.

On October 25, 1997, a major sea rescue was launched in an area known as Lady's Bay, near Belderrig, after a group, while exploring a sea cave, became trapped at the rear of the cave due to sea conditions, with their boat sinking within the cave. One of the group, a retired German man who lived locally, tragically died.

An extensive rescue operation commenced involving An Garda Síochána, the RNLI, Coast Guard, Grainne Uaile Search and Rescue Unit, local fishermen and the local community.

Over the course of a 17-hour rescue - one of the longest rescues in Irish history - Grainne Uaile volunteer Michael Heffernan lost his life.

His club colleague, local councillor Michael Loftus, recalled how the Garda Water Unit where flown by R115 to the scene and with the aid of the other agencies managed to rescue the survivors and recover two bodies, one being that of Michael Heffernan.

As a result of the rescue a Gold Scott medal was awarded to Sergeant Ciarán Doyle and two silver Scott Medals were awarded to Garda Dave Mulhall and Garda Seán O'Connell, Josie Barrett from the Grainne Uaile unit, Séan McHale and Martin Kavanagh from Killala Coast Guard and fishermen Martin and Patrick O’Donnell were awarded national bravery awards.

A commemoration ceremony will be held at Lacken Pier, Ballina, on October 29 at 2 p.m., and afterwards there will be refreshments in Gilvarry Pub, Killala.

The ceremony will remember Michael Heffernan, his family and all those that participated in the rescue, and all who would like to honour Michael are welcome to come along.