SURFSIDE BEACH, Texas — A family is holding on to hope after a north Houston teenager went missing while swimming in Surfside Beach on Saturday.
Henry Murillo Romero, 17, and his family went to Surfside for the last weekend of spring break. Surfside police said waves were 3 to 5 feet on Saturday and there was a riptide.
According to family members, Henry's sister and friend tried to rescue him as he called out for help, but they said the water was rough, making it hard to grab him.
Though police have called the search for Henry a "recovery effort," his mom Ruby said she's still holding out hope that he'll be found alive.
"Todavia estoy con fe de que mi hijo va parecer vivo," Ruby said. "Yo lo unico que pido es que dios es grande y que hace milagros."
Ruby said she still has faith that her son will be alive and all she asks is that God is great and that he works miracles.
Henry's family plans to stay near Surfside until he is found. Surfside Beach Police Chief William Moncier said an anonymous donor provided a house for the family and members of Texas EquuSearch during the search.
Henry is the oldest of four siblings, according to his mother Ruby.