Three young men from Alabama drown off Florida beach, sheriff says

Three young men from Alabama have died after becoming distressed while swimming Friday evening off a Florida beach, a local sheriff reported.

The young men were all located and brought ashore and taken to local hospital, but died later from their injuries, Bay County (Florida) Sheriff Tommy Ford said in a message posted on social media.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce all three young men that entered the water around 8 p.m. today (Friday) and became distressed have passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” Sheriff Tommy Ford said. “I want to thank Bay County Emergency Services, the FWC, and the Coast Guard for their help in the rescue efforts.”

The men reportedly arrived in Panama City Beach Friday afternoon and started swimming. All were from Alabama, but their names and from where in Alabama they lived.

The three were swimming near the Watercress Condominiums at 6201 Thomas Drive.

Deputies searched from the three using the office’s air units as well as assistance from the Bay County Emergency Services, Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife agency.