The Kerala Association in the northern Irish city on Tuesday paid tribute to the teenagers.
London:
Two British Indian boys, 16, who went for a swim in a lake in Northern Ireland, have died in a “tragic drowning incident”, according to local police.
Joseph Sebastian and Reuven Simon, both originally from Kerala, were among a group of friends who visited Engh Lough in Derry/Londonderry on Monday, a holiday in the UK.
The Kerala Association in the northern Irish city on Tuesday paid tribute to the teenagers.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating tragedy with the loss of two of our young people, Mr. Rouven Simon and Mr. Joseph Sebastian, which occurred yesterday at Enagh Lough. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our families and friends at this difficult time.” spokesman said.
A local resident and local councillor, Rachel Ferguson, took to Twitter to express her condolences.
Councilor Ferguson tweeted, “My condolences to the family and friends of the two beautiful young boys who lost their lives yesterday at Annagh Lough.”
“The community is in shock, and sad. Thanks to all the emergency services that were at the scene till late last night,” he said.
The Police Service in Northern Ireland (PSNI) issued a statement relating to the incident and confirmed that the bodies of two teenagers had been recovered from the lake.
“One man was pulled from the water and taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead,” Inspector Brogan said.
“After an extensive search by Foil Search and Rescue and police divers, a second male was found and recovered from the water. He was tragically pronounced dead at the scene … Inquiries into the incident are ongoing, but we believe “At this stage, it was a tragic drowning incident. Our condolences are with the families of those affected.”
Police said another man was taken to hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and three other men were also at the scene.
Derry/London Derry Mayor and Strabane District Council Councillor, Sandra Duffy, expressed grief over the incident and called for caution when swimming in the area’s lakes and rivers.
“The tragic death of two teenagers in such circumstances is devastating to all of us. As a mother, my heart goes out to the parents of the boys and their family and friends at this time, I hope you find strength and your support.” You need to recover from your enormous loss,” Duffy said in a statement.
She continued: “Our rivers and lakes (lakes) can be so dangerous and this incident highlights the need for all of us to be vigilant at this time of year more than ever. My thoughts with those boys’ friends as well Those who were there last night and those who witnessed this tragedy and their school friends and teachers who should have welcomed them to school this week.
“We are united in our grief today and we are all here to extend our support to the families in the difficult days ahead.”