Two youths drowned in the Periyar near the regulator-cum-bridge at Purappillikavu, Karumaloor, in North Paravur on Saturday.
The deceased were identified as Deekshith, 17, son of Joshi of Mukkunkal, Kaitharam, and Devanand, 19, son of Suresh, Nellippilly, Kaitharam. A third person, who was also swept away by undercurrents, escaped clutching to a thermocol box thrown at him by passers-by who reached the spot hearing their cries.
The police said around 10 people had stepped into the river for a bath around noon, but three of them got caught in undercurrents. While Deekshith, a Plus Two student, and Devanand, studying graduation, drowned. Rahul, who was also trapped, managed to reach ashore.
A naval team searched the waters along with the police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel and recovered the bodies late in the evening. The bodies were shifted to the Taluk Government Hospital in North Paravur for autopsy which will be conducted on Sunday.