Search suspended for missing swimmer near Rockaways

DATE: August 4, 2009 11:17:19 PM EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Affairs Detachment New York
U.S. Coast Guard

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Date: Aug. 4, 2009 Public Affairs (212) 668-7114

News Release

Search suspended for missing swimmer near Rockaways

NEW YORK – The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a swimmer who went missing near Riis Beach in the Rockaways around 8 p.m. Monday pending further developments.

Anthony Bolden, 21, remains missing.

Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook rescue boat crews, Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City and Cape Cod rescue helicopters, the Coast Guard cutter Katherine Walker, New York City Police and Fire Departments and Sea Tow all participated in the search.

The search spanned an area from Breezy Point to East Rockaway Inlet out to four miles offshore and included at least 15 separate search patterns. It was suspended based on the amount of area searched and survivability model used by the Coast Guard to determine how long a person could survive in the water.

“It is always a very, very difficult decision to make when the Coast Guard decides to suspend a search,” said Cmdr. Tony Ceraolo, Coast Guard Sector New York’s Command Center Chief. “We concentrated many assets from multiple agencies and covered a broad area in our attempt to locate the missing swimmer. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are extended to his family during this difficult time.”

Weather on scene was reported as four-foot seas and nine-mile-per-hour winds at the time of the incident.

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