Pennsylvania couple drown while on beach vacation with six kids in Florida

A Pennsylvania couple tragically lost their lives after being caught in rip currents off a Florida beach, according to officials. The pair were identified as Brian Warter, 51, and Erica Wishart, 48, by the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

The couple were vacationing with their six teenage children on Hutchinson Island when the family were swept up in the rip current. A spokesperson for the Martin County Sheriff's Office in Florida shared the tragic news on Facebook.

The two children reportedly managed to escape the current and attempted to help their parents . However, due to the perilous nature of the current, they were forced to return to shore without them, officials explained.

• 'Miracle' New Jersey woman 'saw her leg lying on train track behind her' and hauled herself to safety after freak accident

• Two hunted for 'stomping on defenseless victims' during violent brawl at Pennsylvania fun day

In desperation, the couple's children dialled 911 for help, as per NBC affiliate WPTV in Florida. Martin County Ocean Rescue officials responded to the call around 1:30pm.

They located the couple and brought them back to shore before performing CPR . Despite life-saving efforts continuing in the ambulance and at the hospital , the couple were sadly pronounced dead.

For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here .

A deputy from the Martin County Sheriff's Crisis Intervention Team is currently supporting the children as they await the arrival of other family members in Florida .

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .