A firefighter drowned in the Trinity River Monday.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Kimtu Beach, in Willow Creek, around 4:30 p.m. Monday after receiving a suspected drowning call, according to a HCSO press release.

Twelve people on the beach were searching for the victim when deputies arrived, the release stated.

The victim attempted to swim across the river in a T-shirt and Nomex pants – used by firefighters – but tried to return to shore as the current began to take him down river, the release stated.

Another swimmer tried to aid him but returned to shore when he approached a swift current and rocks, the release stated.

Witnesses on scene said he appeared panicked, the release stated.

Twenty minutes after witnesses saw him go under, his body was discovered near Patterson Road, the release stated.

His name is being withheld until his kin are notified.