Missing Wildwood Swimmer Identified As PA Man: Police

WILDWOOD, NJ — Authorities have identified the swimmer who went missing off the coast of an unguarded Wildwood beach Tuesday afternoon.

Alfred Williams, 19, of Drexel Hills, PA, was in the water with three other swimmers in the area of Andrews Avenue and the beach on May 31 when emergency personnel were called for reports of swimmers in distress, the Wildwood Police Department and Wildwood Fire Department said.

Firefighters rescued two swimmers and learned that another swimmer made it safely to the shore before their arrival, officials said. When they arrived on the shore they learned that a fourth swimmer, Williams, was still missing.

Neighboring police and fire departments were called in, along with New Jersey State Police, the Coast Guard and off-duty lifeguards in the search for Williams.

"Multiple search patterns were used over different time intervals to provide the Coast Guard the best opportunity to find Mr. Williams," officials said in a release. "An exhaustive search was completed with negative results. However, rescue personnel remained on location for an additional two hours to assist the marine units until nightfall."

The rescue mission has now turned into a recovery mission and as of this time, Williams has not been located, officials said.

"The Wildwood Police & Fire Departments and other assisting agencies would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to Alfred’s family and friends," officials said.

The police and fire departments also reminded the public not to enter water when lifeguards are not present.