Two teenage boys have drowned after getting into difficult while swimming in a lake near Derry City.
16-year-old Ruven Joshy and Jopu Sebastian were part of a group of six boys who visited Enagh Lough on Bank Holiday Monday.
One of the boys who died got into difficulty while swimming, while the other boy went to his aid.
Police say the other boys are in a state of shock. One of them had to be taken to hospital for his injuries, which are not life-threatening.
Among those offering their condolences was Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
“Our hearts go out to their families in terms of the unimaginable grief they are suffering,” Mr. Martin said.
“We can all imagine people going out to enjoy a beautiful summer’s afternoon – for it to end in such tragedy when people are availing of and using a water amenity we have all done at different times.”
Fr. Michael Canny said the families were traumatized by what had occurred.
“They are part of the Indian Keralese community who worship here at St. Columb’s in Waterside,” he said.
“The boys are at a local grammar school and two of the mothers are nurses, I understand. Another works in the health service and another is in a local business here. It’s an awful tragedy and there is tremendous sadness all round.”
Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson said Derry city was in mourning.
“This is a tragedy,” she said. “The people in Derry are in shock and mourning today at this devastating loss of life.
“These young boys had a bright future ahead of them and were only days from going back to school. I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak felt by their families today.
“The work and efforts of the emergency services who responded quickly to this incident and were present at the scene must be commended.”
