Two teenage boys, both aged 16, lost their lives in a “tragic drowning incident” in Lough Enagh, Co Derry last night.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after 6.25pm when a group of six friends got into difficulty while swimming in the lake.
PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) rapid response paramedics, five emergency crews, a hazardous area response team and an ambulance officer were dispatched to the scene. The air ambulance was also tasked to attend to the incident.
“One male was taken from the water and transferred to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead,” a PSNI statement said.
“A second male was located and recovered from the water after extensive searches by Foyle Search and Rescue and police divers. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“Three other males were also at the scene, and while they have been left shocked, are not physically injured,” the statement said.
“Enquiries are ongoing into this incident, but we believe, at this stage, that this was a tragic drowning incident. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected.”
Local councillor, Racheal Ferguson, who was at the scene, said: “My thoughts are with the family & friends of the two beautiful young boys who tragically lost their lives at Enagh Lough yesterday. The community is in shock, and saddened. My thanks to all the emergency services who attended the scene until very late last night.”
