GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston County authorities say a 27-year-old Houston man has drowned while trying to save his 5-year-old son in an area at the west end of Galveston Island known for its treacherous rip currents.

Deputies say Rufino Suarez and his son were among seven people in a kayak that flipped neared San Luis Pass. The boy was found unconscious but breathing and has been taken to a hospital.

Galveston Island Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis says the father’s body was found later near a bridge over the pass that separates Galveston Island from Brazoria County. Authorities say neither Suarez nor his son was wearing a life jacket.

Authorities had issued warnings about potentially strong currents and had singled out San Luis Pass as an area to avoid.