Bystander sees struggling swimmer in ocean, leading to tragic end, NC town says

A bystander tried in vain to save a “distressed swimmer” pulled from the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina, according to investigators.

The identity of the man who died has not been released.

It happened around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Surf City, which is on a barrier island about a 130-mile drive southeast from Raleigh.

“A bystander removed an adult male from the water and immediately began CPR,” town officials said.

“Emergency personnel arrives shortly thereafter and continued life-saving efforts while waiting for EMS. Despite the continued efforts ... the individual could not be resuscitated.”

The incident remains under investigation, including the man’s cause of death.

“The Town of Surf City would like to thank the bystanders’ quick actions,” officials said.