Two men died in two separate drowning incidents in Virginia Beach over the weekend
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — It was reported that two persons had drowned in Virginia Beach over the weekend.
According to a tweet from the Virginia Beach Police Department, the first drowning incident was recorded on Saturday around 16th Street, which is close to the Oceanfront Dairy Queen.
A member of Christian Flourentine’s family contacted authorities to inform them that the 23-year-old was last seen in the water several hours earlier. Law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighters, and the Coast Guard all responded, but they couldn’t find Flourentine.
Then, on Sunday morning, at around 1:35 a.m., his body was discovered on the shore close to 23rd Street, according to the police.
On the same day, a relative of Tawakal Ali, 19 years old, made a missing person report indicating that Ali was last seen on the beach close to 20th Street. This is in the vicinity of the Travelodge Suites and The Capes.
The rescue crews didn’t find him until the next day, on Sunday.
According to the police department, his body was discovered floating in the water close to 29th Street.
“We are a group of first responders who are passionate about what we do. And so anytime there is an incident, it is concerning. And anytime there is a drowning, it is devastating for all of us,” said Virginia Beach Life Saving Service Chief Tom Gill.
Gill was unable to comment on the two cases. However, she did say that the police are investigating the deaths that occurred due to drowning over the weekend.
Gill hopes that the beachgoers will remember some important safety tips before they enter the ocean.
“Find a lifeguard stand and swim in front of it,” said Gill.
He said that the most important piece of advice is to avoid getting into the ocean if you don’t know how to swim.
Gill advised that people should avoid entering the water before sunrise or after sunset.
Please call VBPD at 757-385-4101 if you have any information on any of these drowning incidents.
