A Pennsylvania couple tragically drowned in a rip current while swimming off Hutchinson Island on Thursday afternoon, leaving their six children orphaned.
Brian Warter, 51, and Erica Wishard, 48, were vacationing with their children, most of whom are teenagers, when the incident occurred.
Two of the children were also caught in the rip current but managed to escape and swim back to shore. They attempted to rescue their parents but were ultimately unable to due to the dangerous conditions.
Read: Florida Beaches Under High Rip Current Threat: Swimmers Urged to Exercise Extreme Caution
Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Ocean Rescue responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were initiated. The couple was transported to a local hospital but tragically pronounced dead.
The children are currently being assisted by a crisis intervention deputy while other family members travel to Florida.
The incident occurred despite red flags indicating hazardous swimming conditions due to rip currents. Officials urge swimmers to exercise caution, especially when red flags are present, and to always swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, it’s crucial to remain calm and swim parallel to the shore until out of the current’s pull.
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