Two men drowned Saturday afternoon while attempting a water rescue at Carolina Beach. One of the victims was from Johnston County.
A child and her father were in the water in distress and were attempting to return to the shore.
Before first responders arrived on the scene, witnesses said multiple good Samaritans entered the water in an attempt to assist the father and child.
Two of the good Samaritans were unable to return to shore. First responders entered the water to assist the two men. With the help of fishermen on boats, responders were able to locate and retrieve both of the victims from the water.
Life saving measures were unsuccessful on the two good Samaritans. Both of the men died at the scene.
The Carolina Beach Police Department identified the men as James Barbour, 53, of Clayton and Don Boles, 60, of Eagle Springs, NC.
The child and father were rescued from the water.
Officials said the incident happened near the Dolphin Lane beach access point.
The Carolina Beach Police Department, Carolina Beach Fire Department, and Kure Beach Police Department responded to the scene.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will make the official determination for the cause of death, however no foul play is suspected.
Carolina Beach Police said the investigation is still ongoing.
