Missing Boy, Rip Current Dangers Continue Through Friday on North Carolina Beaches

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC — Two people had to be rescued from the Atlantic Ocean Thursday off the coast of North Topsail Beach, and a 14-year-old boy remains missing in New River Inlet, City Manager Alice Derian said.

Derian did not provide additional details about the missing boy, the time he disappeared or whether he was with other people in the cove.

New River Inlet, located at the mouth of the New River on the north end of Topsail Island, is known for its strong currents and signs are posted along the beach to warn swimmers.

The two rescued people are safe and sound.

The risk of rip currents was high Thursday and remains high through Friday across the North Carolina coast, according to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell.

At least 70 rip current rescues were reported Thursday in New Hanover County — 35 in Wrightsville Beach and 35 in Carolina Beach.