Surfer pulled from water at Jenness Beach in Rye, NH: Police seek proof of identity
RYE – Authorities are searching for the identity of a middle-aged man who was in critical condition after he was pulled unconscious from the water while surfing at Jenness Beach on Tuesday.
The man was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, according to Rye Fire Chief Mark Cotreau. Officials believe the man, who was surfing alone but in a group of other surfers, suffered a medical emergency in the water.
“It’s problematic not knowing who he is,” Cotreau said.
Lifeguards reported to Rye authorities that the surfer was unconscious and was brought to shore around 3:30 p.m., Cotreau said. When Rye Fire Department personnel arrived, they found state and city lifeguards attempting to render medical aid to the man.
“He was rescued by other surfers and the lifeguards came to the edge of the water and rendered aid,” Cotreau said. “The surfers who were surfing with him but were not in contact with him realized there was a problem and got him out of the water.”
The incident did not appear to have been caused by rip currents in the wake of last weekend’s Hurricane Ernesto, which caused swells and heavy surf along the Atlantic coast, officials said.
The North Hampton Fire Department provided mutual aid and the Rye Police Department responded.
Citizens with information regarding the man’s identity are asked to call Rye Police at (603) 964-7450.
