Update: Coroner names vacationer who drowned while swimming in ocean in North Myrtle Beach
The body of a missing swimmer was pulled from the ocean in North Myrtle Beach Thursday evening, according to North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue.
The male swimmer was located just before 10 p.m. about 4 blocks south of where he was last seen about 2 ½ hours prior.
Antwan Jones, 44, was recovered from the ocean near 6th Avenue South, according to the Horry County Coroner’s Office.
Jones had just arrived for vacation from Indianapolis, Indiana, a release from the coroner’s office said. The family called 911 when Jones appeared to be in distress and was unable to get to shore, the release said.
The cause of death was ruled asphyxiation due to drowning.
A female swimmer had been pulled from the water earlier, according to a fire rescue Facebook post.
North Myrtle Beach Fire and Police were dispatched to the area of 405 S. Ocean Blvd. for a swimmer in distress just before 7:30 p.m., the post said.
Upon arrival, fire crews were told a female swimmer had been pulled from the water by others and was semi-responsive and breathing. However, crews were informed a male swimmer was still in the water and missing, the post said.
The female patient, who was was transported by Horry County Fire Rescue to the hospital for further evaluation as a precautionary measure.
Crews began an active search of the immediate area, utilizing rescue swimmers and watercraft. Drones with search lights and thermal imaging capabilities were also utilized as part of the search.
Crews contended with rough surf conditions as the high tide continued to come in, the post said.
Several other agencies also responded to the search, including North Myrtle Beach Ocean Rescue and Rescue Squad, Horry County Fire Rescue, Horry County Police Beach Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Myrtle Beach Fire Department also had rescue swimmers to assist.
This story was originally published September 1, 2023 at 5:41 AM.
