BEAUFORT — A 19-year-old Marine drowned off Hunting Island State Park on Friday, just a few hours after he graduated from boot camp, according to Beaufort County Sheriff's Office officials.

The Marine was swimming about 40 yards from the beach, south of the Hunting Island Lighthouse, when he disappeared, according to Lee Levesque, spokesman for the Lady's Island-St. Helena Island Fire District.

A relative called 911 after losing sight of him.

Emergency personnel recovered his body at about 5:25 p.m., Levesque said.

Officials at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island didn't release the man’s name. Military policy forbids identification of deceased service members until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified, said Lt. Melanie Salinas, base spokeswoman.

The (Hilton Head) Island Packet