PHILADELPHIA – The multi-agency search for a missing diver was suspended, after a body matching the description of the missing individual was recovered in the Shark river Inlet, near Belmar, New Jersey, Sunday afternoon.
Participating in the search was the Coast Guard, Avon-By-The-Sea Police Department, Belmar Police Department and the New Jersey State Police, Area Network of Shore Water Emergency Responders, Belmar Water Rescue, Avon Lifeguards and Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Search and rescue crews covered approximately 104-square miles since the multi-agency search began at about 5 p.m., Saturday.
“The Coast Guard and our partner state, local and federal agencies have been actively searching by air, surface and underwater since we were notified yesterday afternoon,” said Capt. Ben Cooper, commander, at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “As First responders, we always hope for the best when we are searching, and conclusions like this are truly tragic. Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by their loss.”