UK: Hundreds of people today attended the vigils for Malayali students Joseph Sebastian and Ruan Joe Simon who died in a lake in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
An opportunity to lay flowers and a book of condolence was held at the scene of the tragedy at the Guildhall in Derry yesterday afternoon. Both boys were from the city's Indian Kerala community and were due to return to St Columb's College after receiving their GCSE results last week.
The deceased in Londonderry have been identified as Joseph Sebastian alias Joppu, son of Aju-VG couple and Ruan Joe Simon, son of Joshi. Both were 16-year-old students at St Columbus Boys' College and drowned while swimming in Lough Enagh on Monday evening. The bodies of both were recovered and shifted to the hospital.
Outside St Oliver Plunkett Church in Strathfoyle this evening, those present lit candles in memory of Reuven Simon and Joseph Sebastian.
SDLP MLA Mark Durkan, who offered prayers at the event attended by many local political leaders, said an "unspeakable tragedy" had struck our community. The community has been asked to support the two grieving families. "I knew Father. We all stand together in this community."
There have been calls to improve security measures around the lough. Foyle Search and Rescue said there should be more warnings about how deep the water is, guidance on what to do if you get into trouble and better availability of life rings around the area.
The PSNI is investigating what happened but it is believed to be a tragic drowning.
![]() |
Joseph Sebastian, Ruan Joe Simon |
Funeral Service Of Joseph SebastianFriday | 02nd September 2022 | @09:00 AMChurch Service31 Blackthorn Manor, Londonderry, BT 47 5SBat Mary's Church, 49 Ardmore Road, Derry, BT47 3QP || INDIAN TIME 01:30 PM, UK TIME 9:00AM
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.