Teen missing after being swept off boogie board in Ocean City, NJ
OCEAN CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Search crews continued efforts Tuesday to locate a 20-year-old man who went missing in the ocean while boogie boarding with friends near 10th Street.
The man was struck by a wave and did not resurface, prompting an extensive search that has now stretched more than 24 hours.
Crews have been working around the clock, using jet skis, a drone and a helicopter to scan the water. Aerial footage showed a human chain formed in the ocean as part of the search.
Witnesses described a chaotic and emotional scene as the man disappeared.
"Screaming and yelling. They were like, 'We can't find him. We can't find him.' And his one friend ran up here to get the cops," said Mike, who declined to give his last name.
The beach at 10th Street was closed as the search continued. While crowds gathered at nearby beaches due to favorable weather, signs were posted warning that swimming was not allowed.
The U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the initial search Monday with boats and a helicopter, continuing operations into the evening as conditions worsened.
"Having our head on a swivel - especially when there's a person in the water," said Diego Sanchez, operations department head at Coast Guard Station Atlantic City. "Within a few hours, we were out here until 10 o'clock last night, and the weather deteriorated, the wind picked up."
Officials emphasized the dangers of the ocean, particularly unpredictable currents.
"The ocean itself is very unpredictable and powerful. It may look calm. But underneath that rip current may tell a different story," Sanchez said.
Community members expressed sympathy for the man's family.
"A parent's worst nightmare. My heart goes out to the family," said Lisa Pilli of Linwood.
According to the missing man's father, he is from Exton, Pennsylvania, and is a college student at Hofstra University. He had recently finished his semester and had gone to the beach with friends.
Family members are hoping for answers as search efforts continue.
