With darkness falling around 100 local people gathered at Christie Park for the the Bann Search and Rescue Service's annual Festival of Light.
Huddling together to keep warm in the freezing temperatures, family members watched as candles and lanterns lit for their loved ones were taken out onto the river.

And as the tiny lights floated off into the black distance the Webb Sisters' haunting rendition of "If It Be Your Will" by the Canadian folk singer, Leonard Cohen, played in the background.
Sky lanterns were also lit and sent high into the sky as relatives stood silently on the banks of the Bann.

Candles were brought to the pontoon at Christie Park by family representatives and one was lit for University administrator, Stephen Chapman - the river's latest victim - who died when his kayak overturned at Kilrea the previous Sunday.
The thoughftul service was conducted by Sean McCarry, regional commander of Bann Rescue Services.

Addressing those present, he said: "I want to welcome you all to the Community Rescue Service's Festival of Light and of course all of you are welcome to come to Cranagh Marina afterwards where we will be lighting the Christmas tree and inviting you all to put your Christmas ornaments on the tree."
Deputy Mayor of Coleraine, councillor William King, speaking on behalf of Coleraine Borough Council, said it was a privilege for him to join everyone for the service.
"I think you all know the feeling of it and are here to remember loved ones lost on the river.

"I want to congratulate the Search and Rescue team who do so much for the borough and the work that they do on the river.
"I think that this has been an exceptional year for deaths on the river and we want to remember that with our prayers this afternoon.
"I congratulate you on the thought behind it. Certainly we remember all loved ones this afternoon, those who have been bereaved and have suffered loss."

Families members were then invited to come forward and take a candle to the shore on behalf of those who had lost their lives.
Mr McCarry also welcomed representatives from search and rescue teams from around Northern Ireland, the PSNI and St John Ambulance to the service.
The Christmas tree at Cranagh Marina will remain lit until New Year's Day.