Deadly Weekend at NYC Beaches

Four swimmers drowned and three are missing after a weekend of rough seas around New York City. Akira Johnson, age 10, vanished Saturday while swimming off Coney Island with her cousin, Tyriek Currie, also age 10. Tyriek was rescued by lifeguards. The search for Akira was suspended Sunday affternoon pending further developments, according to Coast Guard Cmdr. Gregory Hitchen.

Two died and one disappeared on Long Beach. A 29 year old man drowned while swimming there on Saturday and two teenagers were caught in a riptide on Friday. One body was found, but the other, an 18 year old, is still missing. The Coast Guard has called off the search. Long Beach is on Long Island, east of New York City.

A 42 year old man died Sunday while swimming at a beach near East Quogue on Long Island, according to Southampton town police. Another man, Gardy Pierre, 25, drowned a day earlier at Sand Bar Beach in Southampton on Long Island's East End, according to a police report.

The spate of deaths is being blamed on a storm system that created 8 foot waves and powerful rip currents. A Long Island policeman, Bruce Meyer, said he "cannot recall there ever being back-to-back situations like this." This year's death toll on New York City beaches is much higher compared to last summer when the ocean claimed only one victim, according to the Parks Department. (AFP)