NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – Rescue crews spent hours on Thursday searching for a missing 21-year-old swimmer in North Myrtle Beach.
In an update just before 4 p.m., the city of North Myrtle Beach stated that the search is still ongoing, but crews will transition from water patrol to shore patrol.
Lifeguards will continue to monitor the shoreline throughout the day. Then, later in the night, North Myrtle Beach police officers and North Myrtle Beach Fire and Rescue will continue active patrols along the shoreline.
The search began when multiple agencies responded around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 4800 South Ocean Boulevard beach access for two swimmers in distress.
Pavel Okham was the one to call 911 after hearing screams for help from the water.
“I heard loud screaming saying, ‘Help, help.’ I saw two people in the water so I came to the shore and first thing I saw there were people trying to help but couldn’t do anything,” Okham said. “First thing I did, I dialed 911. The firefighters came first… probably a minute since my phone call, then the police arrived with people who tried to save those guys.”
WMBF News viewers submitted a video shortly after the distress call was sent.
The North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue said police and off-duty firefighters got into the water first and rescued an 18-year-old man.
Okham was there as crews were able to pull the 18-year-old out of the water, and provided video of the rescue. The teen was then rushed to the hospital, but that person’s condition has not been released at this time.
An 18-year-old was rescued on Wednesday night in North Myrtle Beach after being in distress. A 21-year-old still remains missing.
But the 21-year-old man remains missing.
The city also provided a reminder that the ocean conditions are still hazardous and red flags are in effect. Swimmers should stay in waist-deep or shallow waters.
This is a developing story.
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
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