One child missing, two hospitalized after being swept out to sea

Taipei, July 24 (CNA) Three young boys playing on a beach in Tainan Thursday were swept out to sea, with two hospitalized for treatment and one still missing.

The incident occurred on the Gold Coast in Tainan's South District, according to the local fire department, which received a report at 3:14 p.m. and immediately dispatched seven vehicles, two vessels, and 12 personnel to the scene.

The three boys were identified as a 13-year-old surnamed Chen (陳), a 12-year-old surnamed Lan (藍), and a 12-year-old surnamed Chung (鍾). They had just graduated from elementary school.

Chen was rescued from the water at 3:28 p.m., while Lan managed to swim back to shore on his own, the fire department said. Both were taken to National Cheng Kung University Hospital for treatment.

As of press time, Chung had yet to be located and the search remains ongoing.