ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. (AP) -- A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday for a Cherry Point Marine who drowned at Atlantic Beach but who managed to save the lives of two boys he swam into the ocean to help.
Authorities say Master Sergeant Michael Wert and his family were visiting Fort Macon State Park last Saturday when he saw the boys in trouble.
Atlantic Beach Fire Chief Adam Snyder says Wert was able to get to the boys to assist them but apparently got caught in a rip current that carried him about 200 yards out from shore.
Wert's daughter took a boogie board out to help her father. She was able to get the boys onto the board and safely to shore but didn't see her father with them.
Snyder said it took the team of swimmers nearly 20 minutes to get back to shore because of the long distance, and they tried to revive Wert with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while bringing him in.
Wert is survived by his wife, Debbie, and three children.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
