News Summary
A 21-year-old male swimmer is missing off the coast of North Myrtle Beach after a distressing incident on July 2. Local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard are conducting search operations while cautioning against misinformation. The search has transitioned to shoreline patrols due to hazardous surf conditions. Residents are urged to prioritize safety and avoid swimming in dangerous areas as the search continues throughout the weekend.
North Myrtle Beach – A 21-year-old male swimmer has gone missing off the coast of North Myrtle Beach following a distressing incident that occurred on the evening of July 2, 2025. Local authorities, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and Beach Patrol units, are actively engaged in search efforts to locate him.
The alarming scenario began to unfold around 8:30 p.m. when a passerby, Pavel Okham, alerted emergency services after hearing screams for help from the water near 48th Avenue South. Two swimmers, aged 18 and 21, were reported to be in distress. Emergency responders quickly acted, successfully rescuing the 18-year-old male swimmer, who was subsequently transported to the hospital. However, the conditions of the younger swimmer have not been disclosed, and the older swimmer remains missing.
Since the incident, search operations have undergone significant changes. Initially, the rescue teams employed both water and aerial searches; however, just before 11:30 p.m. on the same evening, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended aerial searches, refocusing efforts on shoreline patrols. As of Thursday afternoon, July 3, the search strategy has been centered primarily along the beach, which spans several critical areas.
Authorities are deeply concerned about unrelated rumors circulating on social media indicating that the missing swimmer has been found. North Myrtle Beach police have issued statements emphasizing that these claims are false and that the search efforts are ongoing. Misinformation can hinder rescue operations, and officials strongly advise the public to refrain from sharing unverified information regarding the status of the missing swimmer.
Compounding the challenging search conditions, authorities have warned about hazardous surf and marine environments in the area. A red flag warning has been issued, indicating that the ocean conditions are especially dangerous. Beach officials are urging swimmers to remain in waist-deep water or less to minimize the risk of incidents. The hazardous conditions have raised concerns about the safety of both swimmers and rescuers as the search continues.
The search efforts are expected to proceed throughout the weekend, with local authorities remaining hopeful for a positive resolution. While the 21-year-old swimmer has not yet been located, the determination of the rescue teams in the face of difficult circumstances underscores their commitment to finding him. As the situation continues to unfold, the community remains on alert and supportive of ongoing efforts to ensure safety along the coast.
The disappearance of the swimmer has sparked significant concern among local residents and beachgoers. It serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with swimming in unpredictable ocean conditions. Authorities continue to advise anyone planning to enter the water to heed safety warnings and stay informed about the surf and weather conditions in the area.
As the search and rescue operations persist, updates will be provided to the public regarding any developments in locating the missing swimmer and the condition of the rescued individual. The focus remains unwavering on ensuring the safety of all individuals using the beach during this challenging time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Myrtle Beach Community Mourns the Loss of Local Teen
Tragic Incident at Myrtle Beach: One Swimmer Rescued, Search Ongoing for Disappeared Teen
Divers Resume Search for Missing Woman in Lake Greenwood, One Week after Disappearance
Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- WPDE News
- Google Search: North Myrtle Beach swimmer missing
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: North Myrtle Beach search missing swimmer
- My Fox 8
- Google Scholar: North Myrtle Beach swimmers risks
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
