Search Resumes For Missing Teen Diver In Shark River Inlet

Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ -- Authorities resumed their search Sunday morning for a teenager who went missing Saturday while free diving near Shark River Inlet.

The search, which went on for more than 5 hours Saturday evening after the teen was reported missing, resumed about 7 a.m. Sunday. The U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police Marine units and local authorities in Avon and Belmar are involved in the search.

Shark River Inlet, which sits between Avon and Belmar, remains closed to boat traffic while the search is conducted.

The Asbury Park Press reported the teen was from Westfield, and that some of his belongings were retrieved Saturday evening during the search, which began before 5 p.m.

The Coast Guard said it was contacted by Belmar police about that time and dispatched a 29-foot response boat-small rescue crew, along with an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew from Air Station Atlantic City.

The search was suspended shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday.

The helicopter crew was expanding its search area on Sunday morning, according to radio transmissions.

A Google Maps photo shows a view of Shark River Inlet from the Avon side of the inlet, which passes between Avon and Belmar.