Tybee Island Police Department

UPDATE: Tybee Island Police, emergency responders recover body of teen missing in Back River waters

From Tybee Communications Director: "This is not the outcome that our team, or any of those who assisted in the search, so desperately hoped for."

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Just before 11 a.m. on Friday, July 5, Tybee Island Police and emergency personnel responded to the area of the Inlet Avenue beach access in reference to a report of swimmers in distress. While speaking with witnesses, Tybee Island police officers learned that two 16-year-olds had been in the water, when their family noticed that they appeared to be in distress. Working with other beachgoers, one family member was able to rescue one of the teens. The other teen was last seen disappearing beneath the water, and did not resurface within view.

Tybee Island Police and Lifeguard personnel enlisted the help of the United States Coast Guard, Chatham County Marine Patrol, and the Marine Rescue Squadron to search area.

UPDATED at 9:30 p.m. on July 5, 2024 with the following message from the Tybee Communications Director:

Earlier today, we told you about a teenager who went missing while swimming in the “Back River.” At approximately 3:28 p.m., members of the Chatham County Police Department Dive Team recovered the body of the victim from the water. This is not the outcome that our team, or any of those who assisted in the search, so desperately hoped for.

While this event is a tragedy, we would like to thank the members of the Tybee Island Lifeguards, United States Coast Guard, Department of Natural Resources, Chatham County Marine Patrol, Chatham County Dive Team, and Marine Rescue Squadron for working tirelessly to bring closure to the victim’s family.

The hearts of the Tybee Island Police Department, and the entire City of Tybee Island, remain with them during this difficult time.