Young woman dies at Brunswick beach after being pulled from rip current

A teen drowned just east of the pier at Ocean Isle Beach Sunday afternoon.

According to Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith, the victim was a young girl who was part of a high school group from the Winston-Salem area. The group had taken a day trip to the beach and were swimming when the victim was caught in a rip current and became distressed.

"I was not on the island at the time, but I understand the ocean was rough," Smith said.

She noted a call requesting assistance for a water rescue came in at 12:21 p.m. Sunday, July 14. Smith said according to the reports, responders with the Ocean Isle Beach Police and Fire departments were on the scene by 12:23 p.m.

"It happened in the middle of the island where we have an emergency access drive-on area, so they were able to get there quickly," Smith said.

Brunswick County EMS and a medical helicopter also responded to transport the victim in case it was needed.

Smith said a good Samaritan with a surfboard helped pull the victim from the water.

"I understand he had trouble keeping her on the surfboard because the surf was so rough," she said.

She added that by 12:32 p.m., the victim was out of the water and CPR was underway.

Despite efforts from first responders and beachgoers, the young woman died.

Smith did not have any additional information about the drowning, and the victim's name has yet to be released.

Smith said Ocean Isle Beach does not have beach warning flags, and none of Brunswick County's beaches have lifeguards.

"It's a very unfortunate incident," Smith said.