The Co Derry community has been left 'saddened and shocked' as two 16-year-old boys have died after getting into difficulty in the water.
The incident happened at Lough Enagh in the Temple Road area on Monday evening, August 29.
Police say another male has been taken to hospital for treatment to injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.
Read more: Two teenage boys die in Lough Enagh tragedy, police confirm
Read more: Pedestrian dies after being struck by lorry in Newry
SDLP MLA for Foyle Mark Durkan said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragedy that occurred at Enagh Lough this evening.
"Hug your children tight tonight."
He later added: "Our deepest condolences and love to the families and friends of these beautiful boys. What an awful tragedy.
"Thanks to our emergency services for their heroic efforts."
Alliance Councillor Rachael Ferguson said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of the two beautiful young boys who tragically lost their lives at Enagh Lough yesterday.
"The community is saddened and shocked by the loss of these boys.
"My thanks to all the emergency services who attended the scene until very late last night."
Strathfoyle Community Association added: "There is a heavy sadness tonight [Monday] over our community. While we send our solidarity to the families affected by today's tragedy at our beautiful Enagh Lough, we would like to remind our local community to please stay clear of the area to allow emergency services do their jobs and for respect to those involved."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police received a report shortly after 6.25pm yesterday, Monday August 29, of a number of people in difficulty in the water. Officers attended along with colleagues from other emergency services.
"One male was taken from the water and transferred to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. 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.
"One other male was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening. Three other males were also at the scene, and while they have been left shocked, are not physically injured.
"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."
READ NEXT:
- Woman arrested and car recovered after fatal crash
- East Belfast couple 'put at risk' after 'suspected device' revealed to be toys and a battery
- Man 'hit on the head with firearm' during attack in Belfast park
- Father and son rescued by RNLI after their kayak capsizes off the Co Antrim coast
NI dad diagnosed with incurable blood cancer after 18 months of chest pain
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
