JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — May 24, 10: a.m. Update: Police said they have found a body matching the description of the swimmer who was reported missing at Huguenot Memorial Park on Sunday.
The man was out with his two young children, a 4-year-old and a 9-year-old, when he started to have problems with the current, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
A human chain was created to try to save him, but was unsuccessful, Sergeant E. Bawroski with the sheriff’s office said during a news conference Monday morning.
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May 24, 9:29 a.m. Update: The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has confirmed a drowning at Huguenot Memorial Park where the missing swimmer was last seen.
They will give an update on the incident at 10 a.m. Click the above video player to watch.
May 23, 11 p.m. Update: The search for a missing swimmer inside Huguenot Memorial Park continues.
A viewer video given to Action News Jax shows search crews in the air, beach and water.
Beachgoers like Jack Hyso saw the crews for hours.
“We got here around 12 and then around 1:30. We heard all the sirens, and we see all the helicopters flying over,” Hyso said. “We knew something was going on.”
JSO stated this is being treated as a missing persons investigation. It is searching for an older man who was last seen in the water.
A source tells Action News Jax the missing swimmer has a large tattoo on his side. He was last seen wearing black trunks with a yellow pattern.
A woman who claimed to be the man’s cousin told Action News Jax off-camera he’s a father of three and a good person.
JSO confirmed JFRD’s Ocean Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Coast Guard are also helping with the search.
Other viewer videos received show those search boats in the water, along with the intense rip currents.
Hyso is hoping for the best.
“Prayers for the family, and I hope they find everybody safe,” he said.
The red flag outside of the park was also up the entire day, a park employee told Action News Jax.
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May 23, 6:30 p.m.: The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to Huguenot Park around 1:45 p.m. Sunday in reference to a missing adult male who was last seen in the water.
Little detail was provided during JSO’s 6 p.m. update. However, when asked if this was a recovery mission, they said this is being treated as a missing persons investigation and there continues to be a very active search in the area.
JSO said several units are assisting in the search including their air, marine, and drone units, and the JSO dive team.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Ocean Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Coast Guard are also helping with the search, JSO said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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ORIGINAL STORY from May 23:
Crews from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and Florida Wildlife are searching for a missing swimmer at Huguenot beach.
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According to sources, the missing swimmer is an adult white male with a large tattoo on his side. He was last seen wearing black trunks with a yellow pattern.
This is a developing story that will be updated once more information becomes available.