Crews searching for missing swimmer at North Topsail Beach

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A multi-agency search has resumed for a Laurinburg man who went missing after entering the water to help a child at North Topsail Beach.

Emergency crews were dispatched around 2:30 p.m. Monday to Beach Access No. 3 for a reported water rescue.

According to North Topsail Beach, first responders arrived on scene at approximately 2:36 p.m. and were directed by bystanders to an area north of the beach access.

Witnesses told authorities that 24-year-old Marquest Andre Page Jr. of Laurinburg entered the water to retrieve a child who had drifted too far from shore. Officials said Page became overcome by the current during the rescue attempt.

The child was recovered and transported to a hospital for treatment along with another family member.

Crews from the North Topsail Beach Fire Department, North Topsail Beach Police Department, Turkey Creek Fire Department, Camp Lejeune Fire Department and Onslow County Emergency Services searched for Page until about 7 p.m.

The search involved jet skis, boats, sonar equipment, swimmers and drones.

Jeff Wells, who lives in North Topsail Beach, said the currents near Beach Access No. 3 are notoriously dangerous.

Wells said even though signs warn beachgoers of the risks, some swimmers still choose to enter the ocean.

“The problem is it’s extremely deep, and the inlet drops off from the erosion and the dredging,” Wells said. “So you can be walking in the sand, and then it can drop off 20, 30 feet right underneath you, and the currents are so strong and the undertow. That’s what happens is people get pulled right under. It’s almost impossible, even for a really strong, experienced swimmer to fight those currents.”

Officials said the search was suspended Monday evening because of weather concerns.

The Police Chief said rescue teams will continue to search for another three days before scaling back operations.