2 missing, 1 in critical condition after possible drowning

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Crews continue to search for two males who went missing while swimming at the Oceanfront. A third individual was pulled out of the water and is in critical condition.

Around 8:25 p.m. Saturday, officials received a call about three males who were swimming off of 16th Street and struggling to make it to shore.

Responders arrived to find one individual washed ashore, he was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The other two remain missing.

The Coast Guard, VBFD and VBPD marine units, VBPD aviation units, and VBPD ATVs and UTVs have been deployed in search of the possible two other missing individuals.

“My understanding is that the current is going North and that’s why they are focusing up to the North however, they do go a little bit further South just as a loop,” said Bruce Nedelka, Division Chief of Virginia Beach EMS. “We’ll continue the search, active search with them and the police helicopter, of course, with the marine assets that we have out there for some time. The water is kind of warm so they can sustain in that water for a little while.”

The Virginia Beach Police Department posted on X “There is a heavy presence of emergency responders at the oceanfront this evening, searching for two possible drowning victims off of 16th street. Please avoid the area.”

On Sunday morning, VBPD told 10 On Your Side the search is now considered a recovery operation.

Around 12:15 p.m., Jody Saunders, a spokesperson with VBPD, said the search had been halted due to rough seas.

This is a developing story, and we will bring you the latest details as they become available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.