Body of American Student Last Seen Swimming in South Africa Found

— -- The body of the American college student who went missing after going swimming off the coast of South Africa during a semester abroad has been found, authorities said today.

Nicholas Upton was studying in Cape Town through a program affiliated with George Washington University when he and friends traveled to a surf lodge on the opposite coast of the country. He was last seen swimming with his friends on Sunday, Aug. 30, authorities said.

The discovery of his body was confirmed by the United States Consulate General of Cape Town via the George Washington University Dean of Student Affairs Peter Konwerski.

"Our hearts go out to Nick’s family and friends. He touched many during his time at GW, and he will be missed," Konwerski said in the statement.

The 19-year-old was a junior at George Washington and was originally from Connecticut.

Upton's father, Jim, spoke to ABC News the day after his son disappeared. He said that he felt a slow emergency response hindered his son's rescue.

Jim Upton said that the other students who were swimming with his son ran into the lodge to get help but were not treated with urgency.

At the time, he said that even though South African authorities said that they have downgraded the search from a rescue to a recovery and authorities no longer believe Nicholas is alive, his parents were holding out hope.

"We're trying to keep our chin up and be as hopeful as possible. It's not over until it's over," Jim Upton said at the time.