A 42-year-old Connecticut man drowned Tuesday after being caught in a rip current at Cocoa Beach in Florida, local fire officials said.
A second victim, a 34-year-old woman from Ohio, also drowned.
As of noon Wednesday, Cocoa Beach officials had not yet released the victims’ names.
The Cocoa Beach Fire Department said it responded to an emergency call for a water rescue Tuesday around 1 p.m. Multiple people were reported as being in need of assistance in the water, near 4th Street South.
When firefighters arrived, they located four people in the water.
Crews began life-saving measures for two of the victims, including the Connecticut man and Ohio woman.
Both were rushed to Cape Canaveral Hospital.
“Despite the efforts of first responders and hospital staff, both individuals were pronounced deceased,” the fire department said, in a press release.
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Investigators said they believe the drownings were related to a rip current. Rip currents can be dangerous as they pull people away from shore, according to the United States Lifesaving Association.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims' families and loved ones, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic event,” the fire department said.
Check back for updates.
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