Drowning Off Ocracoke Island

Anumagalla Revi Kiran RaJender, 29, was swimming in the ocean with a friend near the campground on Ocracoke Island on May 27th when he encountered a strong current and began struggling as he attempted to return to shore. Another friend on shore watched as he went face down in the ocean and the current took him away from land. A visitor on the beach attempted to swim out to help him, but had to return because the current was so strong. RaJender’s friend went to the campground to get help and called 911. Rangers, lifeguards, Hyde County officers, Ocracoke EMS and Coast Guard personnel all responded. Two Coast Guard boats and a helicopter were employed in the search and rescue operation and were later joined by a Marine Corps helicopter that continued to search until 1 a.m. the next morning. The search resumed later that day. RaJender’s body was soon found washed up on the beach about 200 feet from the point last seen. A medical examiner pronounced him dead.