Deputies were searching for a missing swimmer off Apollo Beach Friday night, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 7:30 p.m. deputies with the Sheriff’s Office marine unit were dispatched to the 6000 block of Surfside Boulevard at the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve. An adult male and a child were swept away by the current, deputies said. A bystander jumped in to attempt to rescue them, but was also caught in the current.
Search and rescue officials recovered one body. A child was transported to a nearby hospital but died, deputies said. The third swimmer is still missing. Deputies are continuing to search.
“Our hearts break for the father and son who lost their lives tonight. The horrible sight led a selfless stranger to sacrifice his own life, in an attempt to save them,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement.
This is a developing story. Stay with tampabay.com for updates.
