Recovery search underway for child swept away by wave at Surfside Beach, police say

BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Texas Equusearch said the search for a 10-year-old boy who went missing in the water at Surfside Beach is now a recovery effort.

Surfside Beach Chief of Police Philip Hester said the rescue search for Joshua Lahai started minutes after he went underwater at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Officials said Lahai was at the beach with his youth football team, playing in the water, when he was washed away by a big wave. The boy's family said they witnessed it, according to Equusearch.

Tim Miller with Equusearch said their search began at 8:30 p.m. and continued throughout the night.

Searchers told ABC13 the boy weighs 80 pounds, which is making it harder for rescue crews to locate him.

Texas Equusearch said they are working to recover the child's body before crowds begin arriving at the beach for Memorial Day.

Police said DPS, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office are helping in the search.