Bath weir deaths: Tributes paid to two men pulled from river

One of the victims of the 'tragic accident' was engaged to be married

Two young men who died after drowning in a river in Bath have been named by friends.

A huge emergency services operation was launched yesterday (Thursday, May 28) amid concern for people in the water near Toll Bridge Road.

Samuel Fernandez, 20, and Velly Sousa, 24, died at the scene after being rescued from the water while swimming with a group of people.

The victims' friend Luvson D'Costa claims Velly had jumped in the water and was drowning and Sam went to save him - but drowned himself.

The 29-year-old, who was the scene today to pay his respects, named them as Samuel and Velly and said they were coworkers at a Tesco in nearby Swindon.

Luvson described them both as "really great guys" and revealed that Velly was engaged to be married later this year.

Luvson, a Honda factory worker, said: "They were just swimming and I think Velley jumped in the water and Sam went after.

"All I know is Velley was drowning and Sam went to save him but drowned himself.

"I used to work with them, I was closer to Sam and Velley was more of a friend of a friend, but they were great guys.

"A group of them who work at Tesco went to enjoy a day out, they've been working non stop through the lockdown so wanted to get out for a bit.

'It was a tragic accident'

"I know Sam could swim, I'm not sure about Velley. They weren't drinking or anything, it was just a tragic accident.

"I can't believe it's happened, it's not sinking in. It doesn't feel real.

"I saw Sam two or three days ago. Some of my friends saw him the day that he died, as he finished work."

Police confirmed on Thursday that two men had died after being 'lost underwater' in the river.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called at 4.12pm by the ambulance service amid concern for people in the water near Toll Bridge Road in Bath.

"A rescue operation was subsequently led by Avon Fire and Rescue Service. Two adult casualties were rescued and given into the care of the ambulance service.

"However, both males were pronounced dead at the scene.

"We are not treating the circumstances around the deaths as suspicious at this time.

"The deaths will be referred to the coroner.”