Search for NC teen swept away while fishing continues

  • The boy and his brother were fishing together
  • The 14-year-old was swept away by the current
  • His brother was rescued by a nearby boat

FILE: North Topsail Beach, N.C. (AP Photo/Tom Copeland)

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(NewsNation) — Authorities in North Carolina are continuing to search for a 14-year-old boy who was swept away while fishing on the Fourth of July.

The boy is from Goldsboro. He and his brother were fishing on the New River Inlet when he was swept away. A nearby boat rescued his brother, who was taken to shore.

North Topsail Beach authorities launched a search Thursday afternoon using drones and boats. The U.S. Coast Guard was also brought in to assist, searching by boat and helicopter.

Residents reported a heavy police presence Thursday, and the search resumed Friday morning.

There were multiple water rescues along the North Carolina coast on the holiday, and the risk of rip currents remains high.

Southeast

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