Ocean swimmer missing in North Myrtle Beach. Rescue crews search for 2nd day
Rescue workers are searching for a missing swimmer who went into the water around 48th Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach Wednesday evening.
An 18-year-old male was pulled from the water and a 21-year-old male is still missing, according to a text from North Myrtle Beach spokesperson Lauren Jessie.
Rescue crews returned to the shoreline Thursday morning, moving patrols from Windy Hill to Cherry Grove.
The Coast Guard resumed its search, using a helicopter to fly along the ocean.
Two beach patrol officers were having dinner when they were notified about the swimmers. One “made entry,” rescuing the 18-year-old, according to a beach patrol officer who was at the scene Thursday morning.
North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue said in a Facebook post that just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday a call came in for two swimmers in distress. Rescue swimmers from North Myrtle Beach Police and off duty fire personnel entered the water and were able to pull one of the swimmers back to safety on the shore.
That person was transported for evaluation as a precautionary measure.
The search for the second swimmer continued until darkness set in, the post said.
North Myrtle Beach Fire Chief Billy Floyd said Thursday morning that crews are focusing efforts along Main Street South.
“We’re just doing basically what we call shore patrol,” he said.
Floyd said the area had strong rip currents Wednesday evening and lifeguards had posted a red flag, meaning swimmers were advised to not swim beyond waist-deep waters.
Because the current was flowing north, crews are covering the area from 48th Avenue South to Cherry Grove, Floyd said.
In addition to fire, police and North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad, the U.S. Coast Guard deployed a helicopter to assist in the search. The search took place between Windy Hill and Cherry Grove beaches. Drones are also being used, Floyd said.
Just before 11:30 p.m. the Coast Guard suspended its search and shore searches were suspended until Thursday morning, the post said.
Police are continuing a presence along the shoreline until search operations can continue again Thursday morning, the post said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 7:08 AM.
