Family hopes for answers as rescuers search for swimmer trapped in rip current in South Beach

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Authorities are looking for a 19-year-old swimmer who was caught in rough water while at South Beach this weekend.

Relatives said Victor Castaneda was with his sister, who was rescued from a current.

In recent days, crews have continued to search at sea for Castaneda.

His family told Roy Ramos of Local 10 News that they received new information from a Miami Beach Police Department detective on Tuesday, but there is still no word on whether their loved one has been found.

Jessica Castaneda, Victor’s sister, said, “I will dream of his infectious laugh and his smile until I meet him in the next life.”

Sisters Jessica and Chloe Castaneda were left devastated after their younger brother was caught in the rip current at South Beach and never resurfaced on Saturday.

Jessica said Victor was with his younger sister Haley to celebrate another friend leaving for the Navy. The three were in the water when Haley told them they were having trouble getting back to shore.

“He told her they were going to die and at that point he picked her up and threw her as far as he could,” Jessica Castaneda said.

Eventually, good Samaritans pulled Haley and their friend out of the water, but Victor became lost at sea.

The disappearance prompted a search by Miami Beach and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Cell phone video shows crews searching late into the night.

After two days, relatives tell me a body has been found, but there is still no word if it is their younger brother.

“This family will never be the same,” said Chloe Castaneda.

While Victor’s three brothers, four sisters and parents hope for some closure, they say he will always have a place in their hearts.

And as for those who saved Haley: “Thank you for helping my sister. Thanks for trying. Thank you,” said Jessica Castaneda.

Local 10 News has been in contact with Miami Beach police, who said they are working with investigators from other law enforcement agencies and the Medical Examiner’s Office to see if Castaneda has been found.