An extensive multi-agency multi-hour surf search off the beach was initiated by the Rehoboth Beach Missing Person case. What took place next?
This past Sunday evening, Rehoboth Beach, a well-liked tourist spot located along Delaware’s picturesque shoreline, was enveloped in sadness.
A strange incident occurred as a man went missing in the calm, rolling waves.
Update: man missing in ocean off Rehoboth Beach. Search continues. Many agencies on scene. https://t.co/3e0sBlQXrq pic.twitter.com/jJ8p1DykO8
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) September 3, 2023
This upsetting development quickly led to a massive search and rescue effort.
Missing @rehoboth_beach ? Some #drone video shows it is VERY sleepy right now. Turn to @NBCPhiladelphia at 4 for the latest from the Beaches during the shutdown pic.twitter.com/5jY3DIk8qB
— Tim Furlong (@tfurlong) May 5, 2020
utilizing the efforts of the Rehoboth Beach police force, the Coast Guard, DNREC, the state police helicopter, and the committed volunteers from the fire company.
Pres. Biden: “I have seen no question of our credibility from our allies around the world.”
Perhaps Rehoboth Beach is the “root cause” of missing global criticism. pic.twitter.com/W6QZq2lOSd
— CPAC (@CPAC) August 20, 2021
The elusive gentleman was not found, despite their best attempts.
The person who went missing has recently been identified as 31-year-old Savage, Maryland resident Richard A. Boateng.
A Witness Account of the Incident
The event happened on Sunday, roughly twenty-two minutes after the lifeguards finished their shift, according to a witness on the beach who went by the name Mohan.
Off Rehoboth Avenue, he saw a man who appeared to be in trouble, and he instantly notified everyone around him. They made an attempt to rescue the man, but he vanished under the water.
Mohan remarked, “I thought someone was waving his hand.”
“Probably he was yelling ‘help’ and we realized all of a sudden, sure, guy needs help. I then began yelling, “Help! A lifeguard is necessary.
When I eventually turned to this side, we had been shouting nonstop. He’s invisible to me. He simply raised his hand before drowning.
The Witness’s Account Coincides with Reports from Other Beachgoers
This account matches what several beachgoers who saw the incident have said.
They claimed to have seen and heard a man waving his hands in the sea while yelling for assistance, but they were unable to get to him before he submerged beneath the waves.
It is even more unfortunate that the incident took place not far from the shore.
Off-duty Lifeguards and Coast Guard Conducted Multiple Searches for Boateng
The Rehoboth Beach 9-1-1 center promptly sent out a group of Rehoboth Beach Patrol guards who were not on duty after getting around a dozen calls reporting a man in difficulty.
who, for a number of surf searches, had assistance from neighboring beach patrols.
Hours were spent searching, with numerous groups of a dozen or more guards holding onto a rope that was carried parallel to the beach into the water.
Ultimately, the quest proved fruitless.
Other agencies, such as the Coast Guard, DNREC, the state police helicopter, the Rehoboth Beach police, and the volunteer fire company also joined them.
However, they were unable to find Boateng. It was a thorough search that went on late into the evening.
The Sussex County Lifesaving Association Performed Valiantly
Despite the operation’s failure, one guard who took part observed that on Sunday night, the Sussex County Lifesaving Association community came together.
He continued that despite the challenges, they gave heroic performances.
The Search Continued Even in Darkness and With Parachute Flares
Even in total darkness, the hunt for Boateng went on with the majority of Coast Guard vessels and a helicopter.
Additionally, crews fired a number of parachute flares to brighten the surrounding region in the hopes of locating him.
Nevertheless, despite their thorough searching, they came up empty, and the investigation was briefly put on hold. As at the time of writing, Boateng is still missing.
Several Recent Incidents Highlight Importance of Beach Safety
Recent occurrences have shown how crucial beach safety is, especially during the busy summer months.
Additionally, this summer has seen a number of incidences where swimmers were enjoying the ocean when they found themselves in dangerous circumstances.
To give an example, on July 15 at Rehoboth Beach, two swimmers were rescued from the grip of a rip current.
Six days later, at Broadkill Beach, another person needed to be saved after being thrown down by a large wave and pulled under the water.
These incidents serve as stern warnings about the need to exercise caution when entering the ocean’s embrace.
This Tragic Incident Is Rehoboth Beach’s Only Drowning of the Season
As things stand, this terrible tragedy would be the only drowning case this season in Rehoboth Beach.
Nine drownings have been reported in Rehoboth Beach since the year 2000, with riptides being responsible for one of them and various other circumstances for the other eight.
Numerous near-drowning occurrences this year have highlighted how crucial it is to follow water safety regulations.
Investigations and Continued Search Operations
To find Mr. Boateng’s remains, the authorities are tenaciously pursuing their investigation and ongoing search operations.
His family and friends are also currently experiencing intense sadness and are clinging to any remaining hope of finding some sort of resolution.
This tragic event delivers a moving message that all beachgoers can relate to:
the value of being cautious when entering the water and keeping a sharp eye out for potential hazards while relaxing by the shore.
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