Gregory Karitu, 27, and Yorch Niz-Chilel, 18, have died as a result of drowning incidents in Delaware.

Gregory Karitu, 27, and Yorch Niz-Chilel, 18, have died as a result of drowning incidents in Delaware.
Fatal Delaware drowning deaths of Gregory Karitu, 27, and Yorch Niz-Chilel, 18

Officials reported the recovery of two bodies Wednesday near Lewes on the coast of Southern Delaware.

Gregory Karitu, 27, went missing while swimming at Rehoboth Beach on Saturday. Later that same day, he was located near Herring Point off Cape Henlopen.

Yorch Niz-Chilel, 18, disappeared on Tuesday while in the Broadkill River. He was found Wednesday evening near a lighthouse in the Delaware Bay.

Karitu was last seen in the surf shortly after 7:30 p.m. Saturday near Olive Avenue. His body was recovered about 2.5 miles north of Rehoboth Beach, off Cape Henlopen. Officials stated foul play was not suspected.

A coordinated search involving the Rehoboth Beach Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, and Delaware State Police Aviation was conducted. These efforts were paused Sunday morning.

According to state police, Niz-Chilel went missing Tuesday afternoon while crabbing with family near a boat launch on Oyster Rocks Road in Milton. He entered the river as they prepared to leave and walked until the water reached his neck, at which point he called for help.

Family members attempted a rescue without success. As Niz-Chilel drifted away and submerged, they contacted emergency services.

Police responded at 4:32 p.m. Tuesday and began a search operation involving the Lewes Fire Department, mutual aid fire companies, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Due to worsening safety conditions, the search was halted that evening and resumed Wednesday morning.

In the evening of Wednesday, a fisherman discovered a body near the Outer Wall, close to the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse. Authorities confirmed the body belonged to Yorch Niz-Chilel, which was then referred to the Division of Forensic Science.

Both incidents are currently under investigation by police.