Joseph Sebastian and Reuven Simon
The Mayor will open a Book of Condolence to Reuven Simon and Joseph Sebastian, both aged 16, who tragically drowned after getting into trouble at Enagh Lough.
The book will be opened at the Guildhall and will be available to sign from 4 pm today, Wednesday, August 31.
Those ounable to visit the Guildhall can sign online via: http://derrystrabane.com/mayor
Extending her heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the two 16-year-old boys whose lives were so tragically lost in the accident at the Lough, the Mayor said she was deeply saddened at the news and there was a huge sense of sadness across the city and district at the news.
“This is a very sad day for our city and district.
“The sad loss of two teenage lives in such circumstances is devastating for all of us.
“As a mother, my heart goes out to the boys’ parents and to their family and friends at this time, I hope you get the strength and support you need to get you through your huge loss.
“Our rivers and loughs can be so dangerous and this incident highlights more than ever the need for us all to be vigilant at this time of year.
“My thoughts are also with the boys’ friends who were there last night and who witnessed the tragedy and to their school friends and teachers who should have been welcoming them back to school this week.
“I want to extend a special note of acknowledgement and thanks to everyone involved in the rescue operation, to the emergency services on the ground and the many volunteers who showed up to help as well all the staff at Altnagelvin Hospital.
“It has been a very difficult time for all of them and they are all in my thoughts and prayers.”
Mayor Duffy said that she was confident the local people in the Derry and Strabane area would rally behind the family and friends of the boys as they come to terms with their loss.
“We are united in our grief today and all of us are here to offer our support to the families in the difficult days ahead,” she concluded.
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