Lloyd Mitchell : Tragic Coney Island beach incident leaves two teens dead, one missing

Two women tragically lost their lives and a man is still missing after being swept out to sea in Coney Island on Friday night. The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on July 5, when two sisters aged 17 and 18, and a 24-year-old man were pulled into the water near Stillwell Avenue. Unfortunately, lifeguards were not on duty at the time.

Responding to the emergency, NYPD Harbor Officers from Special Operations and FDNY personnel quickly arrived on the scene to begin a search and rescue mission. Spotlights lined the shore as they tirelessly searched for the missing swimmers.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., Harbor Officers and NYPD 60th Precinct officers were able to locate and pull the two teenage sisters out of the water. Paramedics immediately administered CPR on the sand before rushing them to a waiting ambulance. Despite their efforts, both victims succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at Coney Island Hospital.

Tragically, the 24-year-old man remains unaccounted for, as the search efforts continue. The entire rescue operation was witnessed by onlookers, who expressed gratitude towards the authorities for their relentless efforts to save the swimmers.

Fire Department personnel from Engine Company 245, Ladder Company 161, 168, Rescue Company 5, and Rescue Company 2 bravely battled through choppy waters, but were hindered by strong currents and high waves, as reported by Battalion 43 radio traffic.

This heartbreaking incident comes just twelve days after two teenagers went missing at Jacob Riis Park in Far Rockaway, with their bodies being recovered earlier this week. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of swimming in unguarded waters, as lifeguards typically leave the beach at 6 p.m.

The NYPD Activation Unit also assisted in the search from above, utilizing aerial surveillance to locate the missing swimmer at Stillwell Avenue and Boardwalk on Friday night.

Despite the tragic outcome for the two young women, the swift and coordinated efforts of the NYPD Harbor Officers and Firefighters in rescuing the missing swimmers serve as a testament to their dedication and bravery in protecting the public.