Missing Air Force airman's dad locates a body day after search suspended along coastal Brazoria Co.

Tom Abrahams Image
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Missing airman's dad locates body after search suspended
As authorities work to confirm an identity, Surfside Beach police said the 22-year-old's father found the body even after the Coast Guard suspended the search.

SURFSIDE BEACH, Texas (KTRK) -- Medical examiners are trying to determine whether a body found Tuesday morning is that of an Air Force member who disappeared while swimming near Freeport over the weekend.

Just the day before, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended the search for 22-year-old Elijah Posana. Authorities in Brazoria County confirmed a body presumed to be that of Posana was found, but they are awaiting positive identification.

The chief of police in Surfside Beach told ABC13 the body was found by Posana's father at about 7 a.m. between Beach Access 3 and 4 on the Brazoria County portion of the beach.

The search got underway on Sunday after officials said Posana was pulled by a rip current while swimming at Surfside Beach. He had not been seen since then.

The Coast Guard deployed boats and a helicopter to find him. Officials said crews searched over the course of 28 hours, covering about 100 square miles, before suspending the operation Monday evening.

SEE RELATED STORY: Rip currents: Safety tips and what to know

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