The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for a possible downed aircraft off Long Beach Island Thursday afternoon.
“After careful consideration, we have suspended the search for the reported aircraft,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Walsh, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “Swift action from our Coast Guard crews and local partners and extensive coverage of the search area allowed us to come to this decision, pending further developments.”
The type of aircraft and number of people involved remained unknown.
The Coast Guard received a report at 11:52 a.m. that a plane had potentially entered the water one mile offshore. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay diverted an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City. A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Atlantic City and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Barnegat Light also responded to the search area.
Other agencies involved include:
New Jersey State Police
Long Beach Township Police
Long Beach Township Beach Patrol
Tow Boat U.S.
