Surfer pulled from water at Rye's Jenness Beach unconscious: Police seek his identity

RYE — Authorities are seeking the identity of a middle-aged man who was in critical condition after being pulled unconscious from the water while surfing at Jenness Beach on Tuesday.

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The man was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, according to Rye Fire Chief Mark Cotreau. Officials believe the man, who was surfing by himself but around a crowd of other surfers, suffered a medical emergency in the water.

“It’s problematic not knowing who he is,” Cotreau said.

Lifeguards reported to Rye public safety officials that the surfer was deemed unconscious and brought to the shore around 3:30 p.m., according to Cotreau. Rye Fire Department crews arrived to find state and town lifeguards attempting to medically assist the man.

“He was extracted by fellow surfers and the lifeguards responded to the edge of the water and rendered aid,” Cotreau said. “The surfers that were surfing with him but not associated with him noticed there was a problem, and they got him out of the water.”

The incident does not appear to be caused by rip currents in the wake of Hurricane Ernesto last weekend, which has led to swells and forceful surf along the Atlantic coast, officials said.

The North Hampton Fire Department provided mutual aid and the Rye Police Department responded.

Members of the public with information about the male’s identity are asked to call Rye police at (603) 964-7450.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Surfer pulled from water at Rye's Jenness Beach unconscious: Police seek his identity