News Summary
A 21-year-old swimmer is missing off the coast of North Myrtle Beach after a distress call on July 2. An 18-year-old was rescued, but the search for his companion continues. The U.S. Coast Guard has joined local authorities in the effort, which has been complicated by dangerous ocean conditions. As July 4th approaches, officials urge beachgoers to be cautious and stay away from hazardous areas.
North Myrtle Beach, SC – A 21-year-old swimmer is currently missing off the coast of North Myrtle Beach following a distress call that was received on the evening of July 2. The two swimmers encountered trouble near the 4800 block of South Ocean Boulevard around 8:30 p.m., prompting emergency responders to take action.
Firefighters and police successfully rescued an 18-year-old male swimmer, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital for evaluation. His condition remains undisclosed at this time. Unfortunately, the 21-year-old swimmer has not been located, leading to an ongoing search operation involving multiple agencies.
In response to the incident, the U.S. Coast Guard deployed a helicopter to assist with aerial surveillance and performed a grid search along the coastline. Search operations transitioned from water patrol to shoreline patrol after nightfall, and activities were briefly suspended around 11:30 p.m. as darkness hindered visibility. Efforts resumed early on July 3, focusing on the beach and ocean area near 45th Avenue South.
Lifeguards are closely monitoring the shoreline as local police and fire units maintain patrols in the area. Authorities have issued warnings urging beachgoers to stay in waist-deep water or shallower, citing hazardous ocean conditions related to a red flag alert. The National Hurricane Center has also predicted a 60% chance of tropical development off the East Coast, contributing to increased surf hazards and rip current threats along the shore.
The situation has raised concerns as local officials warn that rip currents can be deadly, especially when individuals attempt to rescue those who are in distress. Further, the public is being advised to steer clear of the search area to allow rescue crews to carry out their operations effectively.
As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, local officials have reiterated the importance of being aware of ocean conditions and safety measures. In an effort to address concerns and misinformation that has been circulating online regarding the missing swimmer, the North Myrtle Beach police have actively communicated the status and updates related to the ongoing search operation.
This search for the missing swimmer comes during a busy time for North Myrtle Beach, as tourists flock to the area to celebrate the holiday weekend. Officials remind the public to prioritize their safety and to adhere to advisories meant to protect individuals from the hazardous ocean conditions currently present.
As of Thursday morning, search operations continue, demonstrating a concerted effort from local agencies to locate the missing swimmer. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as they become available.
The search for the 21-year-old missing swimmer highlights the urgent need for vigilance along the coast, especially amid potentially dangerous surfing conditions expected during the upcoming holiday celebrations. Authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of all beach visitors while conducting the search operation efficiently and thoroughly.
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: North Myrtle Beach Water Rescue
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- WPDE: North Myrtle Beach Missing Swimmer
- Google Search: North Myrtle Beach Missing Swimmer
- WBTW: Search for Missing Swimmer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ocean
- My Horry News: Search Resumes for Missing Swimmer
- Google News: North Myrtle Beach Swimmer
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.
