Search for Boy Swept Out to Sea Called Off

NEWPORT BEACH —  Lifeguards on Monday ended their search for a 10-year-old Santa Ana boy who was swept out to sea after he and a friend waded into strong surf.

“It’s pretty much fruitless at this point to dive,” said lifeguard Gordon Reed.

Reed said lifeguards hoped ocean currents would push the body of Tony Luong to shore in a few days.

Tony was playing with Greg Stewart, 10, of Santa Ana when they became separated by waves about 2:30 p.m., Greg told authorities. A lifeguard and passerby pulled Greg from the ocean, but divers found no sign of Tony. His friend said Tony could not swim.

More than three dozen divers searched the ocean on Sunday near where Tony was last seen. Divers decided against going out again Monday because of poor visibility, Reed said.