Authorities Suspend Search For Missing Jet Skier In Delaware River
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- Authorities have suspended the search for a man who disappeared in the Delaware River after the jet ski he was riding ran aground near the Trenton boat ramp in Mercer County, New Jersey.
Twenty-six-year-old Jesus Diaz Melendez of Trenton was reported missing shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday.
The Coast Guard says Melendez was on the river with a friend when they lost control of their jet skis and were thrown into the water.
Officials say the crew of the vessel A.J. Meerwald was on the water at the time and was able to rescue one of the victims, but Melendez did not resurface.
Rescue crews were in the water for several hours looking for Melendez, but the search turned up empty.
"The Coast Guard and other agencies saturated the search area, but unfortunately was unable to locate the missing man," said Chief Warrant Officer Jacob Gerasimof, the command duty officer during the case. "It is always a difficult decision to suspend a search for a confirmed person in the water. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones affected by this terrible tragedy."
The Trenton Fire Department and New Jersey State Police were also involved in the search.