CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — UPDATE (6:45 p.m.): Corpus Christi Fire Department Battallion Chief Billy Belyieu said it seems like the search-and-rescue underway has now become a recovery operation.
"At this time we're hoping to find someone that's alive, that we can save, but it's starting to look like this more gonna become a recovery," he said.
Belyieu said the department is hopeful because there were reports the man had a flotation device with him.
"Our hopes is that he is on that flotation device, but it's kinda hard to speculate that at this time," he said.
We have some breaking news out of J. P. Luby Beach.
Emergency crews say three swimmers were out in the water just before 5 p.m. when they began to struggle near the Packery Channel north jetty.
The Nueces Co. Emergency Services No. 2 says two swimmers were rescued, but the search continues for the third swimmer, who is believed to be a 26-year-old man not from this area.
The U.S. Coast Guard, the Corpus Christi Fire Department and beach rescue also are on the scene.
Crews have been struggling to launch a boat from Packery Channel because of the rough surf.
Boats were finally able to be launched, but were brought back in soon after due to choppy conditions.
This is a developing story. Check back with KRIS 6 News for updates. Our crew at the scene will provide more information as it becomes available.
