KITTY HAWK, NC (WBTW/WAVY) — The Coast Guard searched for a 4-year-old boy Wednesday night after a “rogue” wave swept him into the ocean in Kitty Hawk.
The boy was on the beach with his mother when the wave hit both of them, according to the Coast Guard. The current carried him away.
The Coast Guard deployed a search-and-rescue helicopter out of Elizabeth City and two response boats from the Oregon Inlet. They’re being assisted by local rescue squads.
Kitty Hawk Police Chief Joel Johnson shared this message Wednesday night:
A tragic accident occurred today in Kitty Hawk. Under the watchful eye of the attending parents while walking along the shore, a four year old boy was swept from his mother into the ocean and carried away by the current. As parents, this is our worst nightmare, even for those of us who love and have grown up by the ocean. Please join us in thought and prayer for this family as we mourn with them the loss and give thanks for the well-being of our own children.
