Teen Drowns in Reynolds Channel

A 14-year-old boy drowned in Reynolds Channel Tuesday afternoon after he and another teen were swept out into the water from Far Rockaway, according to fire officials.

The two teenagers entered the inlet from the beach off of Seagirt Boulevard sometime before 1 p.m., the officials said. The current separated the teens, and the 14 year old went under the surface.

Rescue crews from the FDNY and NYPD converged on the scene immediately. NYPD scuba divers assigned to the Air Sea Rescue Unit out of Floyd Bennet Field were on the scene within minutes. Five Towns emergency crews were also called in to assist with a large-scale search operation.

About 45 minutes into the search, an FDNY diver found the teenage boy. He was pulled from the water and given advanced life support by FDNY paramedics. The teen was then rushed to nearby St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, where he was pronounced deceased. The identity of the teenage boy has not been disclosed pending family notification. 

The other teenage boy was treated at the scene and released to family members.

An investigation is underway by NYPD detectives.

The set up a command post at the Sun and Surf Beach Club under the command of First Assistant Chief Anthony Rivelli Sr. Marine units from the Inwood, , Long Beach and Meadowmere Park fire departments and the Atlantic Beach Rescue Squad joined the search. Nassau County Police also sent helicopters and marine units in to assist.