16-year-olds have died in a “tragic drowning incident” in the Strathfoyle area, police have confirmed. Inspector Brogan said officers were called shortly after 6.25pm ​​on Monday to reports of a number of people experiencing difficulties in the water. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said a rapid response ambulance, five emergency crews, a hazardous area response team and an ambulance officer were sent to the scene. NIAS also assigned the ambulance to attend the incident. PSNI Inspector Brogan said: “A man was pulled from the water and taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead. “A second male was located and recovered from the water following extensive searches by Foyle Search and Rescue and police divers. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene. “Another man was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening. Three other men were also found at the scene, who, while left shocked, were not physically injured. “Investigations are continuing into this incident but we believe, at this stage, that this was a tragic drowning incident. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected.” Alliance councilor for the area Rachael Ferguson offered her condolences to the family on the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster program on Tuesday. After speaking to families at the scene on Monday night, he believes that when one boy got into difficulty, another boy went to help him and was unfortunately pulled from underneath. “Another boy flagged down a car and local residents to help who called the emergency services who attended very quickly but it’s a tragic accident that happened in the water,” he said. “There have been a number of reports but it is believed that one of the boys in the water was a cousin of the third boy who flagged down the car to try and help.” Father Michael Kani said the families – who belong to the Syro-Malabar community – were well known in the Derry seaside area. “The families have been in the town for over 20 years and these boys were born here and went to school here, two of the parents also work in the health sector, so there will be a big shock in the waterfront area and also in the whole town today,” he he said. “We have two priests from India who were both with the families until the early hours of this morning and they were very injured and devastated. “It’s a terrible tragedy, there’s enormous sadness everywhere.”