July 27, 2025 ROCKAWAY PARK, Queens — A mother's desperate wait continues as hope dwindles for two teenagers, including her 16-year-old son, Eligah Chandler, who were swallowed by a powerful wave at Jacob Riis Park on Friday. The search for Chandler and a 17-year-old companion has now been suspended, leaving families grappling with an unimaginable loss.

Aminatu Noah, Eligah's mother, recounted the terrifying moment she learned of the incident. "They said they were going to the beach with friends — I was at work, and I don't even know the rest," she shared, her voice heavy with grief. The heart-wrenching event occurred shortly after 6 p.m., just as lifeguards concluded their shifts for the day.

The Search Efforts and Unanswered Questions

Rescue crews from the Coast Guard, FDNY, and NYPD launched an extensive search by air and sea, utilizing every available resource and speaking to witnesses. Despite their exhaustive efforts, there has been no sign of the boys.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry shed light on the incident: "The teens tried to jump up to kind of slice the wave, the wave was extremely high, and it went on top of them and sucked them over. We think that it might be a rip tide but that's still under investigation. They also stated that the teens did not come up after the wave went on top of them."

Compounding the challenges, stormy weather led to rough waters, cutting short beach days for many and making search conditions difficult. Sri Taylor, who was at the beach, described the hazardous conditions: "The water was rough — I mean, we were in there for an hour tops — had access to water for an hour tops, and then the lifeguards told us to come out."

Coast Guard Suspends Search, Families Seek Solace

Late Saturday afternoon, the Coast Guard announced the difficult decision to suspend their search efforts after covering a staggering 600 miles. In a statement, they expressed the gravity of the decision: "The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and weighs heavily on all involved. Our crews, along with our partner agencies, have conducted an exhaustive search, and our thoughts remain with the families during this difficult time."

For Aminatu Noah, the news brings little solace. Family friend Ashanti Henry emphasized the focus on supporting the grieving mother. "They were trying their best, but again, my main focus was to console her and make sure that she is fine," Henry said.

The Coast Guard has confirmed the search is suspended until further notice, leaving a community in mourning and a mother praying for a miracle that, with each passing wave, seems more distant.

Have you or someone you know experienced the dangers of rip currents or strong waves at the beach? Share your stories and safety tips in the comments below.