(Trinidad Guardian) Two teenagers, a 15-year-old girl and 19-year-old boy, drowned at the Argyle Waterfall in Tobago yesterday, after a sudden gush of water caught them off-guard.
Police identified the victims as Khrisha Thompson, of Belle Garden, and Chrisson Walters, of Argyle.
They were among a group of eight who were celebrating Thompson’s birthday at one of the island’s tourist attractions.
According to reports, emergency response teams from the Roxborough Fire Station, Tobago Emer-gency Medical Services and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), headed to the area around 2.45 pm, after getting a trouble call.
Divisional Fire Officer David Joseph-Thompson said, eight people were in the waterfall’s pool when the waterfall broke its banks on the third level sweeping away Thompson.
Director of the Tobago Emergency Management Agency Allan Stewart said Walters jumped in the pool in an attempt to rescue Thompson, but he too drowned.
Stewart said although no other member of the group suffered injuries, the hospital was on standby to provide counselling.
The Argyle falls is the highest in Tobago, and can be accessed via Cameron Canal Road and a 15-minute hike.
Residents said the rain was not falling in the Argyle district but may have been falling elsewhere in the forest and led to the sudden surge into the watercourse.
In a statement, Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles said he was saddened and disturbed by the incident.
“Today is truly a sad day. Not just for the two families and friends affected by this tragedy but for all of Tobago because this could have happened to anyone of us or our children. I extend sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased at this time,” he said.
Charles also called on all of Tobago to pray, support and comfort the families and loved ones of the deceased.
“The next few days, months and even years will not be easy. The THA will lend assistance where possible, especially in the area of counselling and emotional support,” he said.
He also extended sympathy to the affected families on behalf of the Toba-go House of Assembly and his family.