23-year-old swimmer goes missing off the coast of Seaside Park
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the swimmer entered the water around 5:30 p.m. Friday evening and never resurfaced. Authorities said the swimmer was last seen in the ocean near the stretch of beach between O Street and Decatur Avenue.
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The search for a 23-year-old swimmer who went missing off the coast of Seaside Park has been paused for the day, but officials said recovery efforts remain active.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the swimmer entered the water around 5:30 p.m. Friday and never resurfaced. Authorities said the swimmer was last seen in the ocean near the stretch of beach between O Street and Decatur Avenue.
Seaside Park fire and police units, along with other emergency responders, searched until it got dark. The search resumed early Saturday morning and continued through the afternoon, ending around 2 p.m. without success.
A significant emergency response was visible along the shoreline earlier in the day.
“I saw six trucks come off the beach, rescue vehicles. They were huge trucks with Jet Skis and boats,” one beachgoer said. “It looked like they were walking parallel down the beach trying to rescue somebody.”
The Seaside Park Fire Department told News 12 their efforts are focused on recovery and their goal is to bring closure to the man’s family.
If there are no developments Saturday, crews are expected to resume the search Sunday.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid swimming when lifeguards are not on duty. Officials stress that with the summer season just beginning, it is critical for swimmers to use caution, follow posted safety warnings and only enter the water in guarded areas.
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