NEW YORK – The Coast Guard is continuing to search for a swimmer who went missing near Riis Beach in the Rockaways around 8 p.m. yesterday.
Anthony Bolden, 21, is missing after entering the water to help his friend who was struggling in the surf. His friend managed to make it to shore and called 911 after Bolden did not resurface.
Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook, the New York City Police Department and local air and harbor units are still searching.
Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook rescue boat crews, a Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City rescue helicopter, New York City Police and Fire Departments and Sea Tow have all participated in the search, which has spanned a total of nine square miles.
“The Coast Guard is looking to possibly expand the search area to include parts of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound’s area of responsibility,” said Michelle Krupa, a watchstander at Coast Guard Sector New York. “At this point we’re looking about extending the search to the morning hours of tomorrow as well.”
Weather on scene was reported as four-foot seas and nine-mile-per-hour winds at the time of the incident.
