Two dead after ocean rescue in Holden Beach

HOLDEN BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Two adults died Sunday morning after emergency crews responded to a report of people in distress in the ocean off Holden Beach, according to Police Chief Steven Barger.

Brunswick County Communications received the report at 9:43 a.m. Aug. 2, 2026, involving two adult subjects in distress in the ocean near the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard West.

Police, fire and emergency medical services units were immediately dispatched to the scene. Both individuals received advanced life support treatment in attempts to resuscitate them, but those efforts were unsuccessful, officials said.

The identities of the victims were being withheld pending proper family notification.

The Town of Holden Beach thanked the agencies that assisted with the response, including Tri-Beach Fire Department, Brunswick County Emergency Services, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Communications and Marine Patrol, Civietown Fire Department, the United States Coast Guard and Novant Health AirLink.

“The Town of Holden Beach extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time,” Barger said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic loss.”