**Outer Banks, NC –** A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded along the shores of the Outer Banks this weekend as emergency responders recovered the body of a missing swimmer who was swept away by powerful rip currents. The victim, identified as 24-year-old James Carter of Richmond, Virginia, had been vacationing with friends when he was caught in the treacherous waters off Cape Hatteras National Seashore on Saturday afternoon.
According to witnesses, Carter and two of his friends were enjoying a day at the beach when they decided to go for a swim. Officials say the group was unaware of the hazardous rip current warnings issued earlier in the day. As they ventured farther from the shore, a sudden and forceful current pulled them out to sea. Carter’s friends managed to fight their way back to the beach with great difficulty, but he was unable to escape the grip of the rip current. Panicked onlookers immediately called 911 as they watched him struggle before disappearing beneath the waves.
Local authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Dare County Emergency Management, and National Park Service rangers, launched an extensive search and rescue operation. Helicopters, drones, and boats scoured the area for hours, but as night fell, hope of finding Carter alive began to fade.
“We did everything in our power to locate him as quickly as possible,” said Dare County Sheriff Doug Markham. “The conditions were extremely challenging, and despite our best efforts, we were unable to locate him before nightfall.”
Search efforts resumed early Sunday morning with additional support from volunteers and local lifeguards. Around 10:30 a.m., Carter’s body was discovered approximately a mile from where he was last seen, floating near the shoreline. His remains were recovered and transported to a local medical examiner’s office for further evaluation.
Carter’s family has been devastated by the news. In a statement, his parents, Lisa and Robert Carter, expressed their grief and urged beachgoers to take water safety seriously.
“We are absolutely heartbroken to lose our son in such a tragic way,” they said. “James was full of life, loved the ocean, and had an adventurous spirit. We hope that his passing serves as a reminder to others about the dangers of rip currents and the importance of staying informed about ocean conditions.”
Rip currents are among the most dangerous hazards for swimmers along the Outer Banks, where shifting sands and unpredictable waters create deadly conditions. The National Weather Service had issued warnings for strong rip currents over the weekend, cautioning swimmers to stay out of the water or only enter in areas with lifeguard supervision. Despite these warnings, incidents involving rip currents remain a persistent problem along the North Carolina coast.
Officials are once again urging visitors to educate themselves on ocean safety before heading into the water. Chris Brown, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, emphasized the importance of awareness and preparation.
“Rip currents can form suddenly and are incredibly difficult to escape if you don’t know what to do,” Brown said. “If caught in a rip current, don’t try to fight it. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you’re free, then make your way back in.”
In light of this tragic incident, the Outer Banks community is calling for improved safety measures, including increased signage, more lifeguard stations, and stronger public awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies.
As the summer season approaches and more tourists flock to the area, officials urge everyone to respect the power of the ocean and take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Carter’s passing is a solemn reminder of how quickly a fun day at the beach can turn into a devastating loss.
A memorial for Carter is being planned by his family and friends, who hope to honor his adventurous spirit and love for the ocean. They are also working on an initiative to raise awareness about rip current safety in his memory.
“Our son loved the sea, and we don’t want his death to be in vain,” said Lisa Carter. “If even one life can be saved by sharing his story, then we know he would have made a difference.”