Alfred Joseph was walking in shallow water with two playmates, 7 and 8 years old, on a sand bar spit when he stepped into deep water and went under, troopers reported.

His friends flagged down a passing boater and a hasty search was organized. The boy was found 50 minutes later, on the bottom in 20 feet of water.

Rescuers attempted CPR for half an hour but were unsuccessful, troopers said.