Two men who died while swimming at a popular Queensland waterfall have been identified as promising young students from India.
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Tributes have begun to pour in for Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba after their bodies were recovered at the far north's Millaa Millaa Falls on Tuesday.
The pair failed to resurface while swimming at the waterhole near Cairns, in what are believed to be the first fatalities at the tourist location.
Family and friends of the two men aged in their 20s have been "shattered beyond words" by the incident, with a GoFundMe account set up to raise money for funeral costs.
"We are deeply saddened to share the devastating news of the recent accident that claimed the lives of two promising young students from India Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba," victims' families spokeswoman Surya Mangapati said on GoFundMe.
"Their untimely departure has left a void that can never be filled."
Emergency services rushed to Millaa Millaa Falls, about 90km southwest of Cairns, before 9am on Tuesday after reports two swimmers had not resurfaced.
"It appears that one man got into difficulty and that a second man has then come to render him assistance, and unfortunately, both men perished," Inspector Jason Smith told reporters.
Their bodies were recovered about midday, with the waterhole later reopening to the public.
A third man who was with the pair suffered shock, police said.
Ms Mangapati thanked supporters for their kindness and compassion during an "incredibly difficult time".
"In this time of profound grief, we are coming together to support their families during this unimaginably difficult period," Ms Mangapati said.
"Your generous contributions will help alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses and provide some measure of relief as they navigate through this heartbreaking loss."
The men's swimming ability will form part of a report prepared for the coroner, police said.
The GoFundMe account had raised more than $71,000 by Wednesday afternoon.T
Australian Associated Press
