WILDWOOD – A swimmer in Wildwood remains missing after a 4 p.m. distress call May 31. By noon June 1 the search had been suspended. Authorities did not reveal the identity of the man lost to the waves.
Four men needed rescuing off Andrews Avenue beach after swimming 150-200 yards from the beach. They were caught in a rip current May 31, officials say.
One swimmer managed to make it out of the water on his own. Two were successfully found and rescued, but one swimmer remained missing June 1, officials say.
“The local response and collaborative efforts of multiple local, state, and private agencies was instrumental in providing maximum coverage of the search area. It is a terribly sad ending and our condolences go out to the family and friends of the young man,” stated Lieutenant Dan Nelson, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station Cape May.
Wildwood Fire Department Chief Ernie Troiano told 6abc Actions News that SeaTow assisted with sonar and the Coast Guard provided a helicopter and swimmers to advance the search.
No lifeguards were on duty; Wildwood Beach Patrol does not begin daily staffing until mid-June. The Coast Guard urged swimmers to familiarize themselves with rip current safety before they enter the water and to only swim under the supervision of lifeguards.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is received.
Cape May County – To the stone harbor spouter about coming down to your beautiful 2nd home and looking at 47 as trashy . I’m a contractor in cape May county! I’m sick of this attitude I will no longer work in stone…
