NEW DETAILS: Authorities search for missing swimmer in Holden Beach

HOLDEN BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The search for a man reported missing in Holden Beach on Monday evening continued Tuesday.

According to Holden Beach Police, 22-year-old Matthew Robert Bauer of High Point was swimming with two friends near the Lockwood Folly Inlet at the east end of Holden Beach. 

According to Bauer’s sister, Sarah Moxley, he and his friends were in the water when strong currents in the inlet got hold of Bauer and swept him away.

Moxley said her brother was an accomplished young man.

“He was funny, the life of the party,” Moxley said. “Always had a good time. He was professional; he owned a business. He was, he was a good brother, the baby of 8. Very loved.”

Rescue crews from Holden Beach and Oak Island were dispatched to the area Monday night and could be seen searching the area. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed they were also called to assist with the incident, but were called off at some point Monday night.

As of Tuesday morning, Holden Beach Mayor Alan Holden told WWAY that officials had not ruled the incident a drowning because a body had not been found. Holden Beach Police say there is an active search, and they are in contact with the family.

Many locals, like Southport Resident Joan Lockwood say the water near the inlet can be dangerously deceiving. 

“When the tide is low, then sand comes pretty far across, and anybody would think, ‘Oh, I could swim that,’ but even good swimmers would have a very difficult time,” she noted. 

Inlet currents are similar to rip currents, but inlets can amplify that movement of water, making them even stronger.

For Moxley and her family, it was difficult walking along the same beach where their brother was last seen, but she said her family will not stop searching until Matthew is found.

If you see anything or have information regarding the search, contact the Holden Beach Police Department at (910) 842-6707.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new details emerge.