Body of missing Wayne County teen found off Emerald Isle

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Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Body of missing Wayne County teen found off Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle Fire and Rescue confirm that the body of a 17-year-old boy who went missing while swimming over the weekend has been found.

WILMINGTON, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Emerald Isle Fire and Rescue have confirmed that the body of a 17-year-old boy who went missing while swimming over the weekend has been found.

Police said the teen, Elijah Hinnant, and his friend were caught in a rip current while swimming Saturday.

Hinnant's friend, 16-year-old Tyreese Worsley, was rescued by a surfer and brought ashore.

He was taken to Carteret HealthCare before being airlifted to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville. Worsley is still listed in critical condition. He is a football player at Eastern Wayne High School.

The U.S. Coast Guard, along with Emerald Isle officials, searched for days trying to find the missing 17-year-old teen.

Police said that the teens were visiting Emerald Isle for the day, and that family members said neither were strong swimmers.

More: How to survive a rip current

ABC11 Chief Meteorologist Chris Hohmann explains how to survive a rip current.