The body of a 52‑year‑old man who went missing during a morning swim at Sugar Dock was recovered at about 6:30 p.m. Monday, according to the Department of Public Safety. He was transported to Smiling Cove Marina, where family members identified him.
DPS said officers were first dispatched at 11:37 a.m. for a swimming‑related incident involving two individuals who had entered the water near the channel at 9:30 a.m.
The two men were attempting to locate a pole on the reef when they encountered high tide and strong ocean currents. The current began pulling them toward the channel, prompting both to try to swim back toward the reef. During the crossing, one of the swimmers experienced difficulty and became unresponsive.
The second swimmer attempted rescue efforts before swimming to shore to seek emergency assistance.
Marine Patrol personnel and DFEMS Search and Rescue units launched an extensive search throughout the day, conducting shoreline and ocean sweeps until the missing swimmer’s body was located early evening.
Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name. The case remains under investigation.
