Tributes have been paid to the Italian marine biologist who died in a climbing incident off West Cork earlier this month.
Lorenzo De Bonis (27), who was studying at University College Cork (UCC), was climbing at Fox’s Cliff at Eastern Hole in Baltimore Harbour when the accident occurred on September 4th.
He had undertaken an MSc project on the genetics of bottlenose dolphins at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway before beginning his PhD at UCC.
He became involved with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) from 2020, when he completed his placement as part of his IMBRSea masters project.
Both he and fellow student Michiel De Boeck prepared short podcasts on the IWDG’s Shannon Dolphin research:
“Following one of Lorenzo’s stories of encountering a Gray whale in the Mediterranean during one of the many yacht-based surveys he carried out, he wrote a lovely piece for our summer 2021 edition of the IWDG magazine Flukes (Issue 5),” the IWDG says.
“ His work with ATU and the IWDG on updating our knowledge on bottlenose dolphin genetics was very useful but his exploration of the genetics of some of the solitary dolphins in Ireland was truly remarkable,” it says.
“He showed that four of the five dolphins sampled were all offshore genotypes with one a Shannon-Offshore hybrid,” it says.
“This work is ready to be submitted for publication and we will ensure it is published in his memory,” the IWDG says.
Following this work, he was offered a PhD at UCC on the eWhale project.
“ Lorenzo loved all outdoor activities including sailing and climbing, and it was the latter that led to his untimely passing when he fell while climbing off Baltimore, Co Cork. Thank you to the lifeboat and local boat people who recovered his body for his family to mourn and bury,”the IWDG says.
Cork Climbing Club has set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds for his partner, Signe, and local charities, including those who assisted in his recovery.
“Although Lorenzo, aka Lolo, was with our club for only a short time, his presence left an indelible mark. His boundless energy, determination, and zest for life inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He brought encouragement, laughter, and warmth to every gathering, and his passion for the outdoors was contagious,” the club says.
“Lolo exemplified the very best of what it means to be part of a community. His drive lifted others, his spirit brought people together, and his memory will continue to guide and inspire us. We are heartbroken by this loss and extend our deepest sympathies to his partner Signe, his family and loved ones,” it says.
The club explained that the funds raised will be split, with 50% of the fund will go towards supporting various charities, including those that assisted in the rescue of Lolo: Baltimore RNLI and Skibbereen Gardaí Search and Rescue.
“We will also be donating to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) in honour of Lolo and his love of marine life,” the club says.
“The other 50% of this fund will go towards his partner Signe, to support her through this difficult time over the days and months ahead,” it says.
The IWDG and Cork Climbing Club have expressed sincere condolences to Lorenzo’s parents, Concetta and Riccardo, his sister Chiara and his partner Signe.
The GoFundMe page is here
