Missing Swimmer's Body Found Off Jersey Shore

The body of a swimmer who went missing off the Jersey Shore this week has been found, according to authorities.

Jeffrey Wilkens, 31, of Illinois, was discovered by local citizens Thursday who saw his body floating in the water in Atlantic City near the former Revel casino, police said.

Arriving first responders were directed to Wilkens’ body, which was then removed and brought to the shoreline. Wilkens’ family has been notified, police said.

Wilkens had been missing since entering the ocean on Tuesday around 8:15 pm. The United States Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, and Beach Patrol had been searching the ocean for Wilkens.

The Coast Guard suspended its search for the missing swimmer near Steel Pier in Atlantic City at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy," said Capt. Scott Anderson, commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. "As first responders, it's always a difficult decision to suspend a search."

Twenty-five people have now died in water-related deaths in New Jersey this summer. The incidents have been largely at beaches and pools that were unguarded at the time.

Read more: 25 Die In New Jersey Water Deaths In 3 Months As Trend Continues

The report of the missing swimmer prompted Atlantic City patrol officers to respond to the 1000 block of the Atlantic City beach on Tuesday night. Officers spoke with a woman who was under Steel Pier with Wilkens, according to the Coast Guard.

As a precaution, the United States Coast Guard was notified and responded to the area to search for the swimmer.

The Coast Guard then began its search when they were notified by the Atlantic City Police Department at about 10 p.m., Tuesday, that a bystander saw a man enter the water by the Steel Pier and not return, according to a Coast Guard release.

Coast Guard crews searched throughout Tuesday night and all day Wednesday using 29-foot Response Boat-Small and 47-foot Motor Life Boat crews from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City, the Coast Guard Cutter.

Mako, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Cape May, New Jersey, and MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crews from Air Station Atlantic City.

Patch file photo