“Praying for a miracle”: Recovery efforts continue for man who tried to save child at North Topsail Beach

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - Recovery efforts continue on June 3 for a man who entered the water to rescue a child at a North Topsail Beach access earlier this week.

According to Andrew Page, Interim Chief of the North Topsail Beach Police Department, boat teams are patrolling the inlet and open ocean, with a stronger focus offshore because of the currents. Shore patrols are also continuing.

According to the town, around 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 1, North Topsail Beach Fire and Police were dispatched to 4000 River Road Extension, Beach Access #3, for a reported water rescue. Crews arrived around 2:36 p.m. and were directed by bystanders to an area north of the access.

Witnesses reported the victim, Marquest Andre Page Jr., 24, of Laurinburg, went into the water to try to save a child, whom his family confirms is Page Jr.’s stepdaughter, who had drifted out too far but was overcome by the current. The child was recovered and taken to the hospital for treatment, along with another family member.

“Definitely praying for a miracle to happen,” Page Jr.’s sister told WECT’s sister station WITN.

Officials say activity at the inlet will likely decrease because of the time that has passed and because they do not believe Page Jr. will be recovered there. Page said the rest of the week is expected to look much the same.

“If you’re gonna come out here, we understand you may know how to swim… this is not a pool… this is not a river… you need to be very cautious… and I specifically called out beach access number three,” Chief Page told WECT’s sister station WITN.

Officials say the search will resume at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 4.

Agencies participating include North Topsail Beach Fire, North Topsail Beach Police, Turkey Creek Fire Department, Camp Lejeune Fire Department, and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office.