This is a summary of Tuesday’s events.
Deputies with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Navarre beach this morning at approximately 4:20 am. The response was in reference to a missing swimmer. The area was approximately 300 yards west of Navarre fishing Pier. Christopher Beal, a 28 year old male from Crestview entered the water with a second individual. The water was very rough with red flag surf conditions. The second individual was able to exit the water but it is believed at this time Beal was carried away in the surf.
Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office, Coast Guard, Santa Rosa EOC, Navarre Beach Fire Department, Lifeguard Ambulance Air 1, CERT and FWC were actively involved in the Search and Rescue efforts. Assets included fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, boats, ATVs, and beach search vehicles. The Trauma Intervention Team was also on scene to provide support to family and friends. At 5:30 pm this evening, the operation was transitioned to a Search and Recovery. Also, due to increasing inclement weather, operations were suspended for the evening. Navarre Beach Fire will continue beach patrols during the night. Operations to locate the missing swimmer are expected to continue in the morning. We are anticipating additional inclement weather today.
When more information becomes available we will update here.
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NOON UPDATE:
Search efforts for the swimmer who went missing along Navarre Beach have been suspended due to unsafe weather conditions.
The United States Coast Guard along with Santa Rosa County emergency services made the decision at 11 a.m. today to halt search efforts. Inclement weather conditions are expected to persist over the next couple of days.
