Search to resume for swimmer missing off Sandy Hook

Crews on Thursday afternoon called off recovery operations for the swimmer who went missing at Sandy Hook Wednesday evening.

Park rangers will be searching along the beaches periodically and a Monmouth County helicopter will fly over the area occasionally. He was last seen in distress in the water around 7:30 p.m. The victim and his girlfriend had been in Area B, an unguarded beach that is a breeding ground for endangered species such as the plover piper bird. He entered the waters and disappeared from sight.

Gateway National Recreation Area officials often remind beachgoers to follow the park’s safety guidelines. “It’s very important that people understand that going into the water on an unguarded beach is a recipe for disaster if they don’t know what they are doing”.

Yun says officials are waiting for authorities to identify the body. Crews will continue to search for the man from the shore, and Monmouth County will perform periodic flyovers. New Jersey State Police brought in side-scan sonar equipment, which can inspect the sea floor. Two swimmers from Riis park were taken to a hospital after their rescue. Check back with APP.com for updates.