Fundraising campaign to help family of fisherman who died off Donegal coast

A fundraising page has been set up to support the family of the fisherman who drowned while fishing off the Donegal coast.

He leaves behind a wife and two children, and his cousin has set up the fundraiser to help provide for them in the wake of the tragedy.

Madis Letsars, 37, was a Lithuanian national who was fishing on a crab vessel based out of Ballyglass, Co Mayo when he entered the water. The boat was around 65 km northwest of Arranmore at the time. 

Mr Letsars was recovered from the water by crewmates who carried out CPR. Sadly, he was pronounced dead on board and his remains were conveyed to Ballyglass.

They were removed to Mayo General Hospital for post mortem examination and the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) was notified. 

Mr Letsars’ cousin Janis Miklasovs posted to the GoFundMe page: “It is with a heavy heart I write this message. 

“As you may already know we sadly lost our cousin Madis in a tragic accident. 

“Madis was only 37 years old with his whole life ahead of him. He worked around the clock to provide for his family.

“Madis leaves behind a loving wife and two children and we hope to support them in every way possible.

“I kindly ask if you could make a donation, no matter how small, as this will greatly help the family financially. Your support is key in relieving some of the stress the family are currently facing.

“Rest easy Madis, you will never be far from our thoughts and always in our hearts.”

Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so via the Donate in Memory of Madis Letsars GoFundMe page.