Desperate Search Continues For Man Missing After Jumping Into Canal

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A desperate search is ongoing for a man, 22, who went missing after jumping into the inlet early Thursday, stating that he was trying to swim across the Shinnecock Canal in Hampton Bays, police said.

According to Southampton Town Police, at 2:11 a.m., a woman called saying that her companion was missing after jumping into the water. John Escorcia-Arroyo, 22, of Westhampton, left Dream nightclub and jumped into the inlet, police said.

The female companion lost sight of him after a few minutes; she attempted to locate him on her own for several minutes and then contacted the police, authorities said.

Southampton Town Police patrol units responded and requested additional resources. A Southampton Town Police unmanned aircraft unit, Southampton Town Police detectives, a Southampton Village Police K-9 unit, Southampton Town Police bay constables and fire marshals, the United States Coast Guard, and the Hampton Bays, North Sea, and Southampton Fire Departments all responded to assist with the search, police said.

Southampton Town bay constables and the U.S. Coast Guard are continuing the
search Thursday, police said.