Rip currents likely cause of Hampton Beach drowning

HAMPTON BEACH -- An apparent drowning of a teenager at Hampton Beach on Sunday is under investigation by state police.

Marine Patrol got involved around 6:45 p.m. after receiving a report of a possible drowning victim who was identified as a 17-year-old male.

According to witnesses, the teenager had been swimming with family members when he was pulled away from shore by a strong ocean current. His father entered the water in an attempt to rescue him, but also became distressed.

Although State Beach Patrol lifeguards were off duty at the time of the incident, they were called back and responded to the scene. The lifeguards entered the water and brought the teen and his father to shore, where lifesaving efforts were immediately initiated on the teen. Both were then transported to Exeter Hospital, where the teen was pronounced deceased. The victim's father was treated at the hospital and is stable.

The name of the teenage victim is being withheld due to his age.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Marine Patrol Sgt. Nicholas Haroutunian at Nicholas.M.Haroutunian@DOS.NH.GOV or (603) 227-2112.