Joshua Lahai Richmond, TX, Missing: Help Find 11-Year-Old at Surfside Beach Turns to Recovery Effort

An intensive search for 11-year-old Joshua Lahai of Richmond, Texas, has transitioned into a recovery effort after the child disappeared in the waters off Surfside Beach over Memorial Day weekend. Authorities say the heartbreaking incident occurred Sunday evening while Joshua was visiting the beach with his youth football team and family members.

According to officials, Joshua was approximately 150 yards offshore with another child when a powerful wave swept through the area. The second child managed to make it back safely, but Joshua went underwater and never resurfaced. Search crews from multiple agencies immediately launched a large-scale operation involving boats, helicopters, drones, and shoreline teams.

The search later shifted from rescue to recovery after authorities recovered the multi-colored swim trunks Joshua had reportedly been wearing at the time he disappeared. Officials stated that the discovery confirmed the tragic likelihood that the child had drowned in dangerous surf conditions.

The recovery mission has involved the Texas EquuSearch, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and local police departments. Volunteers and first responders continued combing the shoreline and Gulf waters despite difficult currents and hazardous underwater conditions.

Texas EquuSearch founder Tim Miller said crews remain committed to finding Joshua and bringing closure to his devastated family. “We’re not giving up,” Miller told reporters as search efforts continued into another day. Family members reportedly witnessed the moment Joshua disappeared beneath the water, adding to the emotional trauma surrounding the tragedy.

Surfside Beach Police Chief Philip Hester warned that water conditions in the area were especially dangerous due to strong currents, shifting sandbars, and sudden deep drop-offs beneath the surface. Red flag warnings had reportedly been posted at area beaches throughout the holiday weekend.

The incident has deeply affected both the Richmond community and beachgoers across Texas. Friends, family members, and supporters have shared prayers and messages of support online as authorities continue the difficult recovery operation.

Officials are asking anyone with information related to Joshua Lahai’s disappearance to contact local authorities or Texas EquuSearch as recovery efforts remain ongoing.