Enagh Lough: Vigil held for teenage boys who drowned

Hundreds of people attended a vigil following the death of two teenage boys in a County Londonderry lough.

Those in attendance outside St Oliver Plunkett Church in Strathfoyle on Thursday evening held candles in memory of Reuven Simon and Joseph Sebastian.

The two 16-year-olds had been swimming at Enagh Lough on Monday evening when they got into difficulty.

The event, which was attended by several local politicians, began with songs from a folk group.

Thursday's vigil was held at St Oliver Plunkett Church in Strathfoyle

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle, Reuvan's uncle Jacob Mani said it was difficult to come to terms with what had happened.

"He was always amazing," he said.

"I do not have any words to say. Reuvan and Joseph were best friends, from primary school to college they were studying together. It is hard to accept this, terrible that this has happened".

Ralph Dixon, who was at the vigil, said the community had turned out to show support for the two grieving families.

He said: "I knew one of the fathers. We all stand together in this community."

The two boys were from the city's Indian Keralan community and had been due to return to St Columb's College after receiving their GCSE results last week.

Hundreds attended the vigil outside St Oliver Plunkett Church in Strathfoyle on Thursday evening

The boys will be buried on Friday following a joint funeral service at St Mary's Church, Ardmore.

The Mass will be conducted according to the Rites of the Syro-Malabar Church, incorporating the music and Malayalam language of India.

Flowers have been left at the scene of the tragedy and a book of condolence was opened at the Guildhall in Derry on Wednesday afternoon.

There have been calls to improve safety measures around the lough.

Foyle Search and Rescue (FSR) said there should be more warnings around how deep the water is, as well as guidance on what to do if you get into difficulty and better availability of life rings around the area.

Police are carrying out inquiries into the incident, but said they believe it was a tragic drowning incident.