Southwest GA teen missing in FL surf, feared dead

Published: May 31, 2013 at 2:27 PM EDT|Updated: Jun. 10, 2013 at 2:14 PM EDT

Police in Fernandina Beach, FL are searching for a Nashville, GA teen they say went missing in the water while fishing on the beach Thursday afternoon.

It happened just after 4:30 p.m. when a group of men flagged down an officer on patrol, and reported they believed someone had drowned just moments earlier.

Officials say Caster Nova Gray, 17, was net fishing in shallow water near Fort Clinch, FL when he apparently stepped into deeper water, went under, and did not come back up.

Authorities have confirmed with Gray's mother that he could not swim.

A report says a man close by attempted to pull Gray to safety, but was unable to because of the strong currents.

Since then, Police have received assistance from the Nassau County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Water and Fish Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard, who are still searching for the victim.

Copyright 2013 WALB.  All rights reserved.