A refugee who was resettled in Nauru after being sent to the Australian immigration detention centre there has drowned along with a Nauruan citizen who attempted a rescue.
Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement on Sunday evening he had been informed of the two deaths and extended his sympathies to the families and friends of both.
"We understand from initial reports that the first deceased person was a private resident of Nauru, on a Nauruan refugee visa, and was accidentally drowned," the minister said.
He said the person was not a resident at the offshore processing centre.
A spokesman for the minister confirmed to AAP that the refugee had been in the centre before being resettled in the Nauruan community.
Mr Morrison said it was understood that a Nauruan citizen also died after attempting to rescue the first person.
He said another Nauruan citizen was receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attempted rescue.
"This is a matter for the government of Nauru as it pertains to an incident involving a resident and citizens of their own country that occurred within their jurisdiction," the minister said.
He said Nauruan police were investigating the matter, which would become the subject of a coronial inquiry.
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