Man who drowned at Avon Beach identified as FDNY firefighter
The man who died Friday attempting to rescue his teenage daughter from the rip current at the Jersey Shore has been identified as FDNY Firefighter Mark Batista.
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The man who died Friday attempting to rescue his teenage daughter from the rip current at the Jersey Shore has been identified as FDNY Firefighter Mark Batista.
“We are heartbroken to learn about the death of Firefighter Mark Batista, who died Friday while swimming at the Jersey Shore,” the FDNY said in a statement. “Firefighter Batista was a dedicated public servant who spent fifteen years serving in the FDNY, as both an EMT and a firefighter. We join his family in mourning his tragic passing.”
Batista was assigned to Engine Company 226 near the Boerum Hill section of Brooklyn.
News 12 reported Friday that the daughter went for a swim by the jetty around 8:30 a.m. and got caught in a rip current. She was pulled several yards out into the ocean. Her father then jumped in and tried to save her. No lifeguards were on duty.
Authorities say rescue crews arrived on scene and were able to pull the girl out, but there was no sign of Batista. Additional guards, Jet Ski crews and helicopters helped in the search. By the time they found the man, it was too late.
Many beaches don’t fully staff guards until next weekend.
