Search for Missing Swimmer Turns to Recovery Mission in Ocean City, NJ

Ocean City, N.J. — The search for a missing 20-year-old man who got knocked off a boogie board while in the ocean off Ocean City earlier this week is now turning into a recovery effort.

It was around 5:00 this past Monday that a man, identified by WPVI-TV as a Hofstra University student from Exton, PA, was in the ocean off the 10th Street beach when he was hit by a wave and failed to resurface.

Another person who was with that man was able to share what happened with authorities.

Now, nearly three days later, first responders say they have not been able to locate the missing man.

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Thursday Afternoon Update

The Ocean City Police Department provided an update at around 2:00 Thursday afternoon that said,

As of 2:05 p.m., on May 21st, the missing swimmer still has not been located. The search for the missing swimmer will shortly transition to a recovery mission. Members of the Ocean City Fire Department, the Ocean City Beach Patrol and the Ocean City Police Department will be actively working in the recovery mission and continue to request additional assets as necessary to assist in that effort.

The department thanked the numerous agencies that have been assisting their efforts, including the New Jersey State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Police are asking people to avoid the 10th Street beach area until further notice.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com