A hero firefighter drowned trying to save his daughter after she got caught in a riptide while in treacherous seas.
Mark Batista, a New York Fire Department (FDNY) firefighter, died during a family trip to Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey.
The 39-year-old jumped into the rough sea after seeing his teenage daughter get into trouble in the water near a jetty.
Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office said she had been caught in a riptide.
Sadly it was the devoted dad who was dragged underwater by the currents.
A rescue team desperately searched for the two for 10 minutes, later finding the teen and rushing her to hospital.
The dad was found underwater at around 10 am and taken to the Jersey Shore University Medical Center but was pronounced dead.
His daughter is expected to make a full recovery.
A spokesperson for the FDNY confirmed the death of the Teaneck resident.
She said: “We are heartbroken to learn about the death of Firefighter Mark Batista, who died Friday while swimming at the Jersey Shore.
“Firefighter Batista was a dedicated public servant who spent fifteen years serving in the FDNY, as both an EMT and a firefighter. We join his family in mourning his tragic passing.”
There were no lifeguards on duty at the beach as it was too early in the season.
“In the wake of this morning’s unfortunate incident in Avon where a man drowned while trying to rescue his daughter after she was caught in rough surf, we once again caution all to please NOT go in the water when there are no lifeguards on duty,” the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office said.
A rip current is one that pulls water and swimmers away from the shoreline and out to sea.
Mr Batista had served as both an EMT and a firefighter for the FDNY for 15 years.
