Tragic Incident Claims Life of Maryland Teen at Corolla Beach
Corolla, North Carolina – A devastating event took place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, when a 13-year-old boy from Maryland lost his life while swimming at the beach in Corolla.
Missing Swimmer Call Triggers Emergency Response
The situation unfolded at approximately 12:49 p.m. when Corolla Fire and Rescue received a call regarding a missing swimmer. In response, Currituck Fire and Rescue promptly requested assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard based in Elizabeth City. The Coast Guard reacted swiftly, deploying a MH60 Jayhawk helicopter to initiate an aerial search starting from the vicinity of Persimmon Street, where the young swimmer was last seen.
Comprehensive Search Efforts Underway
Despite extensive aerial searches conducted by the Coast Guard, no sign of the boy was found during the initial investigation. By around 4 p.m., they ended their search efforts, leaving the situation in the hands of local rescue teams.
Meanwhile, a dedicated team of 16 lifeguards from Corolla Beach Rescue sprang into action, conducting line dives along the beach. These skilled rescuers formed a line, diving repeatedly to feel the ocean floor in their quest to locate the missing teen. Their operation was methodical, as they shifted their search south before turning back north to cover all possible areas.
Tragic Discovery at Low Tide
After tirelessly searching for three and a half hours, the tide began to recede. It was during this low tide that one of the divers made the heartbreaking discovery of the boy’s body. The victim’s name has yet to be released, but the community mourns the loss of this young life.
Community Grieves
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Corolla community, reminding everyone of the potential dangers associated with ocean swimming. In the days following the event, conversations among residents have shifted toward safety measures and awareness when enjoying the beautiful beaches of Corolla.
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
