Coast Guard searches for kite surfer seen drifting out to sea off N.J.

The Coast Guard is searching for a kite surfer off Cape May County Thursday evening, authorities said.

Coast Guard Station Atlantic City received an emergency call notifying personnel of a kite surfer seen drifting out to sea after falling about 500 yards off Corson Inlet in Ocean City around 3:20 p.m.

That sparked the response of a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat, and a 45-foot Response Boat to search the area.

The kite surfer was reportedly wearing all black. The Jersey Shore was experiencing high winds up to around 50 mph at the time.

A statement from the Ocean City Police Department said a black and white “Ocean Rodeo Cypher” kite was found floating in the water without a board or individual, adding that no missing person report was filed as of late Thursday night and no vehicle was left on the beach.

“Our hopes are that the individual safely returned to shore after separating from the kite and prior to first responders arriving to the scene,” the statement continued.

No additional information was made available.

Anyone with any information can call the Coast Guard at 215-271-4960 or the Ocean City Police Department at 609-399-9111.