NEW YORK — The Coast Guard has suspended its search for two missing teenagers at Jacob Riis Park, Saturday.
Coast Guard Sector New York command center received a report at approximately 6:40 p.m., Friday, that two teens, ages 16 and 17, reportedly entered the water at Jacob Riis Park, Queens, earlier that evening and had not returned from the water.
A Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, Air Station Cape Cod HC-144 Ocean Sentry air crew, and Station Sandy Hook boat crew were launched to search for the missing teens. In addition to Coast Guard assets, crews from NYPD and FDNY assisted in the search efforts.
“The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and weighs heavily on all involved,” said Capt. Jonathan Andrechik, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York. “Our crews, along with our partner agencies, have conducted an exhaustive search, and our thoughts remain with the families during this difficult time.”
Coast Guard crews searched a total of more than 600 square miles. The search area extended from Sandy Hook, New Jersey, to Long Beach, New York, and offshore approximately 20 nautical miles.
Involved in the search were:
· Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook
· Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod
· Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City
· NYPD Aviation Units
· NYPD Harbor Adam Units
· NYPD Harbor Base Divers
· FDNY Marine Units