July 17, 2016
The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities are have located the body of a New Jersey teenager who went missing Saturday afternoon at the Shark River Inlet in the vicinity of Belmar.
Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty confirmed Sunday afternoon that the 17-year-old free diver had been recovered beneath the bridge over the inlet, according to New Jersey 101.5. His identity was not immediately revealed.
“It’s a tragic situation for all the people who come to Belmar and the Jersey Shore. It’s rare for something like this to happen. It’s really unfortunate and terrible for his family,” Doherty said.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay were informed that the teen went missing at approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday. After authorities located his car and other personal belongings near the scene, the Shark River Inlet was temporarily closed to maritime vessel traffic.
The Coast Guard dispatched a 29-foot Response Boat rescue crew from Station Shark River, accompanied overhead by an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew from Air Station Atlantic City.
Additional assistance was provided by the Belmar Police Department and members of the Avon-By-The-Sea Police Department.
