Schoolmates distraught as cruise girl disappears
Friday, January 06, 2006 - 11:07 AM
Distraught classmates of an Irish teenager missing from a cruise ship in the Caribbean were gathering at her school today to comfort each other.
Lynsey O’Brien, from south Dublin, is feared drowned after she disappeared early yesterday while on a family holiday.
It is understood the 15-year-old was discovered missing from her cabin and the alarm was raised by another family member.
A search of the boat was initiated immediately, but she could not be found.
As news of her disappearance reached classmates at Loreto High School, Beaufort, Rathfarnham, principal Liz Cogan described the situation as “terrible”.
“It’s a very difficult time for all of us,” Ms Cogan said.
“She was a popular, great youngster, who loved dancing and drama and sports such as basketball.”
She said Lynsey, who was in transition year, had a sister in the 5th year and another due to start at the school soon.
“We all know her family very well – it’s terrible,” she said.
Students were coming in to the school this morning to offer comfort to Lynsey’s classmates, Ms Cogan said.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said Irish Embassy staff in Mexico were offering consular assistance to the family of a girl who had disappeared from the boat.
