“They were the nicest, smiliest, happiest people we have ever seen.”
Those were among the words of tribute paid by one member of Limerick’s Afghan community following the tragic death of two brothers who lost their lives after falling into the sea outside Doonbeg in West Clare while fishing this past Tuesday.
The brothers have been named locally as Tujuddin Safi, aged in his 30s, and Salahuddin Safi, 20s.
The brothers are understood to have been living in Limerick for the past 10 years, and were deeply embedded and working in the local community.
A gathering was held in Limerick yesterday (Wednesday) for the community to unite in grief and share their condolences.
Speaking to RTÉ at the gathering, one mourner said the bothers were “the nicest, smiliest, happiest people we have ever seen”. He said the community “gathered to bring the condolences to their family members. The incident was very sudden. Nobody could understand what to do.”
He described the brothers as “the best among us”.
It is understood the brothers had been on fishing off the rocks at the popular Blue Pool area in Puleen Bay with two other brothers and a cousin when the tragedy took place.
Emergency services were contacted shortly after 2pm on Tuesday, and a search operation was launched from Valentia, involving the Shannon Coast Guard helicopter as well as support from the Kilkee and Doolan Coast Guard support and the Aran Island lifeboat.
The coast guard helicopter located the bodies of the two brothers at around 4pm.
A vigil for the late brothers will be arranged at a later date.
Salahuddin Safi had recently married in Afghanistan, where his wife remains.
In a tribute posted online, Pizza Corner in Hospital wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our own.”
“He was part of the Pizza Corner family from the very beginning, joining us in 2016 as one of our first team members. His hard work, kindness, and presence will always be remembered and appreciated by everyone who had the chance to work with him.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. He will always remain a valued part of our story and our hearts. Rest in peace.”
A crowdfunding campaign has been created to repatriate the two brothers, so that they can be laid to rest with their families and loved ones.
The campaign page described the brothers as “beloved members of the Afghan community in Limerick, Ireland, full of hope, dreams, and love for their family back home”.
“Salahuddin had only recently married. His young wife remains in Afghanistan, waiting for the life they had imagined together, now shattered by unimaginable grief.
“Thousands of miles away, their family cannot bring them home alone. We are raising funds to repatriate Tajuddin and Salahuddin to Afghanistan so they can be laid to rest with dignity and surrounded by loved ones one last time.”
The campaign page, which has already raised almost €13,000 of its €20,000 goal, is available on gofundme.com/f/two-young-brothers-lost-forever-help-bring-them-home.