CAPE MAY – The city’s Office of Emergency Management has issued a joint press release on behalf of the police and fire departments saying there is no official missing person investigation ongoing, after an extensive search for a woman reported to have gone into the ocean but failing to come out.
Police, Fire Department, Beach Patrol and Coast Guard personnel were searching for a missing swimmer based on a report that a woman in her 30s or 40s was seen entering the ocean on Thursday, Sept. 4, at around 7 a.m. A report was made about an hour later that the woman had not been seen getting out of the ocean.
An independent source not affiliated with the police or fire departments said the call apparently was placed at around 8 a.m. by an elderly caller.
City officials said that after a thorough investigation, they confirmed that “no official missing person report was filed with our department and/or with our partnering agencies.” The release said, “We will continue to monitor the waterways and shoreline within the patterns suggested by the U.S.C.G and N.J.S.P. Marine Units.”
The press release stressed the seriousness of any report involving a potentially missing person, saying officials appreciate the concern expressed by members of the community.
“Our department treats all such situations with the highest priority and due diligence in this instance. Based on all available information, there is no evidence to suggest that a missing person case exists or is warranted at this time,” says the release, provided by Police Chief Dekon Fashaw.
Fashaw said the public is encouraged to continue to report any concerns regarding personal or public safety to the Police Department so the appropriate action can be taken immediately. Members of the public can contact Det. David Atkinson at 609-884-9500.
Police, firefighters and the Beach Patrol remind people to swim only near a lifeguard stand on one of the city’s actively guarded beaches.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
