Authorities suspend search for missing swimmer at Jersey Shore

    (Image: U.S. Coast Guard)

    (Image: U.S. Coast Guard)

    The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a swimmer who went missing this weekend at the Jersey Shore

    Authorities say 31-year-old Julio Pierre of Newark was last seen around 7 p.m. Saturday in Bradley Beach, when he apparently was swept out to sea.

    Rescue crews soon arrived on scene and searched for the man throughout the night and Sunday.

    The multi-agency search efforts that covered 248-square miles involved the Bradley Beach Police Department, Belmar Water Rescue Team, and the New Jersey State Police.

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    Authorities suspended the search at 7:55 p.m. yesterday.

    The U.S. Coast Guard deployed 87-foot cutters Bonito and Crocodile, helicopers from Air Station Atlantic City, and boat crews from Station Shark River and Manasquan Inlet.

    “Our hearts go out to the friends, families, and loved ones who are impacted by this tragic event” said Coast Guard Capt. Scott Anderson, Deputy Sector Commander, Sector Delaware Bay. “Coast Guard crews and our partner agencies worked together to search for this individual and it’s never an easy decision to stop searching.”

    Pierre, who had immigrated for Newark about a month ago, traveled to the Shore with friends to beat the heat, NJ.com reported

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    The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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