It is believed the father and son that drowned in County Donegal yesterday had recently moved to Ireland from Germany.

The bodies of the man in his 40s and his teenage son were recovered from Lough Keel yesterday.

Another son, who was with them at the time, was rescued and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital.

It is believed they were out for a day’s fishing when they got into difficulty.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, local councillor Michael McBride said the community is in shock.

“I understand it is a German family who moved to the area in the last number of weeks,” he said.

“First of all, I would like to offer my condolences and, I believe, the condolences of the local community to the family.”

The alarm was raised shortly before 3pm yesterday and a major operation involving Gardaí, the Coastguard, the Rescue 118 Helicopter, and a Sub Aqua Club was launched.

Councillor McBride said the lake provides the majority of the local water supply and may have been at a lower level than normal due to recent dry weather.

“It is not an area or a lake that you would associate with many tragedies,” he said. “I think there was one person drowned there in the past that people can remember.

“It is a big shock and I suppose, when the news broke, we were all wondering if it was somebody local but unfortunately for the family involved, they must have gotten into difficulty while they were out fishing.

“I am sure they were just trying to make a new start in life and it just happened so quickly.”

Post-mortem examinations are expected to take place today.

The second son is still receiving treatment at Letterkenny General Hospital.