Two sixteen-year-old boys died after getting into difficulty at Enagh Lough. On Monday, Emergency services were called to Temple road at around 18:30 BST.
Both the boys were rescued by Foyle Search and Rescue and police divers. One of the sixteen-year-old teenagers was pronounced dead when he was rescued, whereas the second sixteen-year-old teenager was taken to the hospital soon after rescue but later was pronounced dead.
There were three other boys at the scene. One of them was taken o the hospital, but his injuries are non-life threatening, says Police.
Insp Brogan said they were shocked when they saw that the other boys were not physically injured. Enquiries are ongoing into this incident, but Police believe that it was a tragic drowning incident at this stage.
Insp Brogan added that our thoughts go to the families and those who are affected due to this tragic incident.
Waterside parish priest Father Michael Canny said the tragedy would be felt all over the city. He said the families were traumatised and absolutely devastated.
In addition, Waterside parish priest Father Michael Canny said that families of dead teenagers are part of the Indian Kerala community who worship here at St Columb’s in Waterside.
He said, ” I understand that the boys are at a local grammar school, and two of the mothers are nurses. Another works in the health service, and another is a local business here”.
Sinn Féin assembly member Ciara Ferguson said the thoughts and prayers of everyone in Derry were with the families.
Alliance councillor Rachael Ferguson said the community had been shocked and saddened.” I spoke to some of the family members who were just in shock, and the young boys I saw – it’s just devastating what they witnessed,” she said