A 22-year-old man drowned Saturday afternoon while snorkeling in the St. Johns River near French Landing in Orange City, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called to the area around 4:18 p.m. after the man’s girlfriend and other witnesses reported that he had gone missing underwater.
Sign up for our Newsletters
Witnesses told deputies he appeared to be struggling while swimming roughly 50 feet off shore before disappearing beneath the surface.
His girlfriend attempted to rescue him, and several bystanders also entered the water to help, officials said. However, witnesses reported they lost their hold on him in the current and then lost sight of him.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Air One responded to assist with the search. Authorities later used boat sonar to identify a possible location, and at about 8 p.m. the Volusia Sheriff’s Office dive team recovered the man from the river.
He was identified as Samuel Oche, 22, of Daytona Beach.
“The Sheriff’s Office sends sincere condolences to Samuel’s loved ones for their tragic loss,” the agency said.
TOP STORIES FROM WESH:
Special edition Stanley tumblers are selling out, but these are still in stock
READ THE FULL STORY:Man drowns while snorkeling in St. Johns River near Orange City, officials say
CHECK OUT WESH:Stay in the know with the latest Orlando, Florida, news, weather and sports. Get the top stories and all the scores from the team at WESH.