Coast Guard Ends Search For Missing Monmouth County Kayaker

KEYPORT, NJ — A 74-year-old man went missing Monday afternoon while kayaking off Keyport harbor, and the Coast Guard has suspended its active search for him as of Tuesday evening.

Zhenjiang Ding was described as a 5’6,” 140–160-pound man. The Coast Guard did not say what town he is from

The Coast Guard started searching for him after his kayak began taking on water Monday afternoon. Ding was last seen in his multicolored kayak in the vicinity of Keansburg Marina, authorities said. It was Keyport Police that first told the Coast Guard he was missing.

At 6:30 p.m. Monday, Keyport Police reported they had found Ding’s kayak near Cedar Street Park, along with personal belongings, and no sight of him in the area.

The Coast Guard said it searched approximately 129 square nautical miles for over 37 search hours, even bringing in helicopters from as far away as their Cape Cod station, with no signs of Ding.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Zhenjiang Ding,” said Capt. Jonathan Andrechik, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard Sector New York. “Making the decision to suspend a search is always difficult. We are appreciative of the efforts of all agencies who participated in this search.”

The U.S. Coast Guard, based out of their Sandy Hook station, led the search for him. The New York City Police and Fire departments, NJ State Police, the Monmouth County Sheriff and Keyport Police all helped with the search.