GULF SHORES - The Gulf Shores police and fire departments responded to a possible drowning on Monday afternoon around 3:40 p.m. The incident took place near the 6th Street beach access off Highway 182 West. An unnamed male was reported in distress, and attempts by beach service attendants to rescue the swimmer proved unsuccessful.

According to GSPD Officer Tim Knight, the swimmer was a foreign national, which has made attempts at contacting family members a difficult task.

Turbulent tide and surf conditions are believed to have interfered with rescue efforts, as red flags were flying on the beach at the time, warning of surf conditions.

The swimmer was swept out by the rip tide and reportedly unresponsive. Initial attempts at recovery were unsuccessful and the swimmer's body would not be found until 8:43 p.m.

The swimmer's body was reportedly recovered about a mile west of where he was last seen. The case is under further investigation and awaiting an autopsy.