Tragedy struck Virginia Beach during weekend weather conditions that brought rough surf to beaches up and down the East Coast.
Now, two men swimming at the beach are presumed dead and a fellow swimmer was rescued unconscious from the sand.
Around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, reports came into Coast Guard Sector Virginia that there were three swimmers in distress near 16th Street, close to the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier.
Ten minutes after the initial report came in, the Coast Guard says one of the swimmers was recovered unconscious on the beach. The victim was treated at the scene and taken to the hospital for further care. Two swimmer remained missing.
The Virginia Beach Police and Fire departments and Virginia Marine Resources Commission marine units launched a search alongside the Coast Guard. From Saturday night until midday Sunday, Coast Guard crews including an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, USCG Cutter Pompano and two response boats searched for the two men. The local police and fire departments used marine, land and drone units to help in the search.
At times, rough surf hampered first responders’ efforts.
Unfortunately, the men were not found and the Coast Guard suspended its search at noon Sunday, Sept. 22. They had covered more than 102 square miles during the 14-hour search for the two missing swimmers.
Anyone with information on the missing men should contact Sector Virginia public affairs officer at 757-903-1842.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends [of the victims] during this difficult time,” said Capt. Peggy Britton, commander, Sector Virginia. “The Coast Guard is incredibly grateful for the dedication, expertise, and cooperation of all agencies involved in this search. The teamwork displayed by all involved in these challenging conditions demonstrates the unwavering commitment of working together.”
The water was closed this weekend at Virginia Beach, with double-red flags flying due to rough conditions. The city’s website says lifeguard staffing is limited from Labor Day to mid-September. You can sign up to get alerts and learn Virginia Beach’s beach status here, or call 311 to check the latest conditions.
