Two men drowned after finding themselves in difficulty while swimming at St Paul’s Bay early this morning, the police said.

The two, both of Nigerian nationality, were swimming in the area known as Dawret il-Gzejjer just after midnight.

The police said that one of the men fell into the sea and found it difficult to climb back up. The other man called for help before jumping into the sea to help his colleague.

Divers from the Armed Forces of Malta as well as members of the Civil Protection Department were called to assist the two men.

Both were however certified dead on site. The police later said they were aged 22 and 27.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit is leading an inquiry.