NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. (WITN) - Officials are searching for a Jacksonville teen reported missing after they were caught in a rip current Wednesday.
North Topsail Beach Police and Fire were called for an ocean rescue at 484 New River Inlet Road at Beach Access #4.
As the tide was coming in, witnesses saw the teen struggling against a rip current and going under the water while trying to get to the shore.
Town officials say no one was able to make it to the teen, and all units began a search of the area.
They searched the area with a drone for more than two hours with no luck.
A fire department jet ski and boat along with a Coast Guard helicopter all searched until after dark.
They ramped up efforts at daylight on the beach area for several miles, along with drone flights but could