3 Alabamians die after rescue from waters off Panama City Beach

Three swimmers from Alabama died Friday evening after being rescued from the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, according to the sheriff’s office in Bay County, Florida.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce all three young men that entered the water around 8 p.m. today and became distressed have passed away,” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said in an update on Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”

The young men were reported missing near the Watercress Condominiums at 6201 Thomas Drive.

All three swimmers were rescued and sent to local hospitals for treatment where they died.

“I want to thank Bay County Emergency Services, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Coast Guard for their help in the rescue efforts,” Ford said.

Local officials haven’t released the names of the deceased.

More details will be reported as they become available.