MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Rescue workers were looking for a swimmer in distress Friday afternoon near the Intracoastal Waterway, according to Lt. Jonathan Evans with Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue.
Lt. Evans says the search began around 11:17 a.m. for a swimmer they think went under.
Captain Mark Nugent with Horry County Fire Rescue confirms they’re also looking for the person near 356 Waterside Drive in Myrtle Beach.
Crews already have a boat in the water searching and they are also deploying a jet ski. A tweet from Horry County Fire Rescue states rescue workers have also requested a dive team.
A helicopter from the Coast Guard is also involved in the search.
“It’s a pretty strong current right now. So, from the point where we know he was to where he may be now could be two different places. So, we have the helicopter out there now. The coast guard is going up and down the coast searching,” said Lt. Jonathan Evans.
After 45 minutes in the water, Horry County Fire Rescue divers suspended their search due to weather conditions, according to a tweet from the department.
At 3:30 p.m., fire officials announced the search operation had been suspended and will resume Saturday weather permitting.
