Clearwater Beach drowning victim was from Norway

Clearwater Fire & Rescue personnel take Alicja I. Dyga into Morton Plant Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.  Photo by: Eamonn Kneeshaw

CLEARWATER -- A 51-year-old woman from Norway drowned Wednesday night while vacationing on Clearwater Beach with her two children, authorities said.

Alicja I. Dyga went swimming just north of Pier 60 about 9:30 p.m. Her children, 8 and 16, watched from the beach as a wave overtook Dyga and she disappeared in the water, police said. They ran to help her but couldn't find her in the darkness and called 911.

Clearwater Fire & Rescue immediately began searching the water and found her in the water, close to shore, about a quarter-mile north of where she disappeared. Firefighters pulled her to shore, administered CPR and took her to Morton Plant Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police notified Dyga's husband in Norway and made arrangements for her children.

Times staff writer