Accidental drowning recorded at Donegal kayaker inquest

An inquest has recorded an accidental drowning verdict for Paul Buchanan, a 57-year-old accountant who went missing off the coast of Co Donegal two years ago. Buchanan, an experienced kayaker, was last seen paddling near Machaire Gathlán on the evening of October 3, 2024, just a few hundred yards from shore.

His wife, Bernadette Buchanan, told the inquest that her husband had often kayaked after work and had mentioned he would get a takeaway, so she should not make dinner. She last saw him as he left for work that morning, describing it as a beautiful day in their hometown of Ramelton. The couple had been married for 29 years and had two sons. She characterized her husband as someone who loved water and lived life to the fullest, always seeking to maximize his and his family's experiences.

Despite an extensive 21-day land and sea search, Buchanan's body was never found. His kayak was discovered approximately 5km north of Toraigh, a significant distance from where he was last seen. The inquest, held at Letterkenny Courthouse, was granted under a special provision allowing for inquests into missing persons even when a body has not been recovered, a process that previously could take up to seven years.

Anne Marie Coll, manager of Gaoth Dobhair Credit Union where Buchanan worked as an internal auditor, last spoke to him around 5:30 p.m. as he was leaving. Fisherman Prionsias Gallagher reported seeing a red kayak near Oileán Ghabhla around 5 p.m. while packing up his fishing gear, heading home.

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wasn't enough hours in the day