SURFSIDE BEACH, Texas — A large search continued into Sunday night near Surfside Beach after a 10-year-old boy from Richmond disappeared during an end-of-season beach outing with his youth football team, authorities said.
Emergency crews were called to the beach shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday, according to Surfside Beach Police Chief Philip Hester.
Multiple agencies responded as the search intensified along the shoreline and in the water, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials had not confirmed the exact location where the boy was last seen.
The Coast Guard launched a major search operation using a rescue boat, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. Local officers also assisted from land, including personnel stationed with long-range binoculars from the third floor of Seahorse Bar and Grill.
Drones were also used as crews searched the darkening water from above.
“We exhausted all our resources,” Hester said.
The search continued after sunset as crews worked against fading visibility and difficult conditions near the beach.
About two hours after the response began, Coast Guard crews temporarily suspended operations to refuel. Local authorities said they planned to continue searching through the night.
Hester said the police department was not ending its efforts.
Authorities also planned to contact Texas EquuSearch for additional assistance.
The disappearance comes during a busy holiday weekend along the upper Texas Gulf Coast, where beaches often draw large crowds and water conditions can change quickly.
Surfside Beach and nearby coastal areas can see strong currents, rough surf and dangerous conditions, especially during periods of unsettled weather.
Residents and visitors are urged to avoid interfering with emergency crews and give search teams room to work.
Anyone with information connected to the search should contact local authorities immediately.
This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available.
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