In a heartbreaking incident, two sisters from Nigeria, Aisha Mohammed, 18, and Zainab Mohammed, 17, living in the Bronx, were reported missing after swimming at Coney Island’s Stillwell Avenue and Boardwalk West. The NYPD stated they vanished from sight after entering the water on Friday evening.

According to witnesses interviewed by WABC-TV, a sudden rainstorm prompted beachgoers to seek shelter, but the sisters ventured into the rough ocean waters. Despite efforts by a bystander unable to swim, they continued into the water. It remains uncertain if the man had any prior connection to the sisters.

As reported by News 12, the sisters were accompanied by six cousins during their visit to the beach that tragic day.

Emergency responders, including units from NYPD’s aviation, harbor, and scuba teams, initiated a water rescue operation upon receiving an emergency call at approximately 8:10 PM. After an hour-long search, divers recovered both sisters from the water.

Tragically, despite efforts to revive them, the sisters were pronounced dead upon arrival at NYC Health and Hospitals/Coney Island.

The investigation into this devastating incident is ongoing.

The funeral service for Zainab and Aisha Mohammed took place at Yankasa Masjid Mosque at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, July 9.