A fun swim turned tragic at Galveston beach early Tuesday morning when two teenagers from Houston went missing in the water. Sadly, a 17-year-old boy lost his life, and an 18-year-old girl had to be rushed to the hospital. The incident happened just before 3 a.m., showing how dangerous nighttime swimming can be.
What Happened
According to the Galveston Island Beach Patrol, the two teens went missing around 2:52 a.m. at 4300 Seawall Blvd., near the jetty—a popular spot on the beach. People nearby noticed the pair were struggling in the water and called for help. The missing swimmers were an 18-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, both from Houston.
Emergency Response
When Galveston police got to the beach, they found the girl first. She was located on the east side of the jetty. Officers quickly brought her back to shore and started CPR right away to help her breathe again.
About 15 minutes later, the 17-year-old boy was found near Tower 43, also on the east side. A supervisor from the Galveston Island Beach Patrol bravely entered the ocean with help from police officers to pull the boy out of the water. CPR was performed on him immediately after they reached land.
Condition of the Teens
Both teens were quickly taken to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) emergency room. Sadly, doctors could not save the boy. He was declared dead at 3:56 a.m. The girl remains at UTMB ER, and her current condition is not yet confirmed.
This tragic event is a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous the ocean can be, especially at night. Even strong swimmers can find themselves in trouble when swimming after dark, when visibility is low and help may take longer to arrive.
Authorities always recommend avoiding swimming at night and sticking to lifeguard-patrolled areas during the day. The loss of a young life is a deep sorrow for the family and the community, and we hope the girl makes a full recovery.
Leave a Reply