Search Suspended For Missing Teen Swimmer Off Rockaway Beach
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Rescue crews suspended their search Saturday evening for a teenage swimmer authorities say went missing in the waters off Rockaway Beach.
The NYPD says they responded to reports of a 17-year-old boy missing near Beach 86th Street just before 5:30 p.m.
Sources tell CBS2 aviation and diving units were combing the area to find the teen who was swimming with friends when he went missing. Rene Santiago says the victim's friend was distraught as he spoke to first responders.
"He was kinda just looking down pretty sad shaking his head pointing to the water," he said. "He was pointing out one way where the water may have dragged him."
Officials suspended the search after about two hours, adding that the rip current made Saturday's search exceedingly difficult. Making matters worse, lifeguards are no longer on duty at Rockaway Beach after Labor Day.
The search was set to resume Sunday in hopes of finding the missing teen.
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