The search continues Thursday (May 21) for a 20-year-old Hofstra University student who went missing while bodyboarding off Ocean City's Tenth Street beach in New Jersey. The incident occurred Monday (May 18) afternoon when the student and a friend were swept off their boards about 200 yards offshore. While one person was rescued, the other remains missing.
Authorities have now classified the search as a "recovery" effort, indicating they do not expect to find the student alive. The Ocean City Police Department, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, and other local agencies, are conducting an extensive search, using boats, jet skis, drones, and helicopters to scan the waters and nearby shorelines.
According to the Coast Guard, the missing student was last seen after losing his boogie board and being struck by a wave. There was no lifeguard on duty at the time, as full-time beach patrols have not yet begun for the season. The search has been ongoing for four days, with teams working around the clock despite challenging weather conditions.
The missing student is from Exton, Pennsylvania, and had recently finished his semester at Hofstra University. Family members and friends are anxiously awaiting news as the search continues. Community members have expressed sympathy for the family, describing the situation as a parent's worst nightmare.
Authorities urge the public to avoid the area around Tenth Street beach while search efforts are underway. The beach remains closed, with signs warning that swimming is not allowed. Officials emphasize the unpredictable and powerful nature of ocean currents, which can pose significant dangers even in seemingly calm waters.