Man Reported Missing Off Of Fire Island 'Alive And Well': Police

FIRE ISLAND, NY — The man who was reported missing off of Fire Island has been found alive and well, state police said Sunday.

State police and park police found "the previously unidentified" man who was the subject of a search and public help request at Robert Moses State Park on Saturday, according to the agency.

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Following widespread coverage by local news outlets and the sharing of information by members of the media and public, the man contacted authorities, state police said.

"Through the subsequent investigation, investigators confirmed that the individual was the same person observed entering the ocean, near Field 3 of Robert Moses State Park, on Sept. 26," the agency said.

He was located "alive and well, and no further assistance from the public is needed at this time," according to the agency.

The police thanked the news media and members of the public for their assistance "in helping investigators identify and locate the individual."

Authorities were searching for the missing man Saturday in the Atlantic Ocean off the park after he disappeared into the water at around 2:30 p.m., police said.

The man, who was wearing dark-colored shorts, was reported missing after being seen venturing into the ocean near Field 3, and disappeared from view not return to shore, according to police.

His identity was unknown, and investigators were seeking the public's help in identifying him, police said.

Anyone who had a family member, friend, or acquaintance, who may have been at the park during that time and whose whereabouts are currently unknown, were urged to contact the police at 631-756-3300, or the state park police at 631-321-3700.

Officials told News 12 swimming is barred at the location, and they are advising residents to exercise caution during the storm.

The outlet reported that the search included the U.S. Coast Guard and Suffolk police, but was suspended after hours due to the dark, according to the outlet.

Patch has reached out for more information.

The news comes as a nor'easter slammed into the region.

Further east on Fire Island National Seashore waves could be seen lapping beyond the steps of the pavilion at Smith Point County Park in Shirley.

States of emergency have been put into place at the state, Suffolk County, and town levels.

This is a breaking story that will be updated. Check back later.