MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A late-night rescue turned tragic early Sunday when a swimmer who repeatedly entered the ocean near 6th Avenue North was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
At about 2:14 a.m., an officer was flagged down by a bystander reporting a swimmer calling for help in the surf. The officer located the individual on the beach moments later and offered assistance, but the swimmer returned to the water, prompting an immediate call for backup.
Rescue efforts intensified as visual contact with the swimmer was lost around 2:40 a.m. Emergency crews located the individual approximately 30 minutes later near 8th Avenue South and rushed them to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity as the investigation continues.
