Search Underway for Missing Swimmer off Frisco Beach

Coast Guard crews and Hatteras Island Rescue personnel are searching for a missing man off Frisco Beach near Ramp 49, which was reported this afternoon.

At 1:06 p.m. today, a teenage male swimmer from Thailand was reported missing off the beaches at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Frisco, North Carolina. The individual’s boogie board was found washed up on shore near off road vehicle ramp 49.

The missing swimmer was reported to be attempting to assist another swimmer in distress.  The swimmer in distress made it back to shore safely, however, the 17-year old male did not make it back to shore and was last observed in the water off the Frisco beach.

The Hatteras Island Rescue Squad, Dare MedFlight, and U.S. Coast Guard have been searching for the individual using a variety of methods, including jet skis, boats, and helicopters.  National Park Service rangers and Dare County Sheriff’s officers are also assisting in the search.

Per a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard, a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew from Station Ocracoke, a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Station Hatteras and a Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City have launched into the area, and are on the scene searching for the missing man.

“Coast Guard crews and our local partner agencies are searching the area thoroughly in the hope of locating the man safely,” said Chief Warrant Officer Keith Moore, Sector North Carolina command duty officer. “We ask anyone with information related to the search to call the Sector North Carolina Command Center at 1-910-362-4015.”