Tragedy struck the Jersey Shore last week when a New York City firefighter died while attempting to save his child from a rip current.
The deceased hero was identified as 39-year-old Mark Batista, whose career in public service spanned 15 years. The incident occurred in the beach town of Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey, on Friday morning, June 9, as Batista, off duty at the time, jumped into the ocean to rescue his teenage daughter, who had been caught in the powerful rip current.
Batista’s identity was confirmed by the New York City Fire Department.
After witnesses on land reported the drowning incident, authorities and a water rescue team deployed jet skis to search for Batista and his daughter. Batista was eventually located around 50 feet from shore and transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His daughter, however, survived the harrowing ordeal and was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center for further care.
Reports indicated that there were no lifeguards on duty at the Avon-by-the-Sea beach where the incident unfolded. The city’s website announced that regular weekday lifeguard shifts will start this coming weekend.
