The lives of two young boys from Gqeberha have been cut short following a drowning that took place in the Salt Pans in Missionvale on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the bodies of Thandolwethu James, 10, and Geovante Thorn, 12, were discovered ashore on one of the Salt Pan embankments on Thursday.
The boys were part of a group who took to the water on Wednesday, owing to the hot weather.
A search ensued when they did not return home that night.
According to Beetge, an autopsy will be conducted to establish the cause of their death.
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Gary van Niekerk conveyed his condolences to the families.
"I received the tragic news with a heavy heart and plan to visit the families as soon as possible to offer my condolences in person.
"It is very sad to see young boys with so much potential lose their lives and to experience the anguish and pain of those left behind," he said.
Parents have been cautioned not to let their children go into the water unsupervised.
Police have opened an inquest following the drowning.
