Family of US Marine drowns near naval base in Florida. ‘Unimaginable tragedy’
Three swimmers swept away off the Florida coast in an apparent drowning are the family of a U.S. Marine, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The bodies of a woman, 33, and two children were found on a beach near Naval Air Station Pensacola after an extensive search, authorities said in a news release.
Deputies responded to the base around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, the Pensacola News Journal reported, citing deputies. The woman’s body had washed ashore near Barrancas Beach, according to authorities.
Deputies learned two kids, a 6- and a 7-year-old, were in the water with her before they disappeared, the release said. The search continued overnight and their bodies were found at about 7 a.m. Thursday, near the shoreline.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Sheriff Chip W. Simmons said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this time.”
McClatchy News reached out to NAS Pensacola on Aug. 3 and was awaiting a response.
Authorities didn’t release additional information.
Drownings in U.S.
An estimated 4,000 people die from drowning in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It’s a leading cause of death for children and experts say certain factors can increase the risk for drowning. They include not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision and not wearing a life jacket.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, such as checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day.”
This story was originally published August 3, 2023 at 5:44 PM with the headline "Family of US Marine drowns near naval base in Florida. ‘Unimaginable tragedy’."