Good Samaritan drowns after helping rescue young girl caught in rip current

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) - A swimmer who helped rescue a young girl caught in a rip current has been found dead.

Myrtle Beach authorities said just before 8 p.m. Friday, the girl became caught in a rip current near 10th Avenue South.

A good Samaritan then jumped into the water to help her, but was then pulled underwater by the rip current.

Myrtle Beach police said the swimmer disappeared under the water until their body washed ashore Saturday morning.

Authorities noted that lifeguards in the area had gone off duty at the time the young girl found herself caught in the rip current.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department and Myrtle Beach Fire Department searched for the missing swimmer until the body was found.

The U.S. Coast Guard was also called in to assist.

Authorities did not release any further immediate information.