Two men who drowned in a NSW river had stepped into “shallow water” when they were swept away in an “unthinkable tragedy”, according to friends.

Sachin and Sahil (whose surnames have not been revealed) died in a devastating incident at John Locke Place, Gleniffer, near Bellingen, on the NSW mid-north coast on Sunday.

A GoFundMe campaign is attempting to raise $200,000 to repatriate their bodies to India and support both their elderly fathers.

Tragic details of the double drowning have been revealed by those organising the fundraiser, which had reached more than $125,000 by Thursday morning.

“They were being responsible and cautious, stepping only into shallow water,” Sunita Kalkal said.

“In an unforeseeable moment, a strong current surged and swept them away.

“What should have been an innocent moment turned into an unthinkable tragedy.”

Sahil leaves behind his seven-month pregnant wife.

Kalkal said the fathers of both men had critical medical conditions and could not afford to return their bodies to India.

“We humbly seek the support of our Australian and Indian community and well-wishers to help repatriate Sachin and Sahil’s bodies to India, cover funeral and repatriation expenses and support the grieving families during this heart-breaking time,” she said.

Kalkal thanked the community “from the bottom of our hearts for the incredible love and support”.

The target was raised from $100,000 to $200,000 so that extra money could be sent to the men’s parents, who “must now live with this pain for the rest of their lives”.

“Your kindness will help them survive this unimaginable grief and know they are not alone,” she said.

The ABC reported details of the accident, which happened about 6.45pm Sunday.

Emergency services responded to reports of three men, all believed to be aged in their 30s, struggling soon after entering the river.

Two were pulled from the water but were unable to be revived and died at the scene, reported the ABC.

A 31-year-old pregnant woman was taken to hospital after being treated for shock.