Coast Guard, local agencies searching for missing diver in Shark River Inlet

PHILADELPHIA - The Coast Guard and local police are searching for a missing diver in the Shark River Inlet in the vicinity of Belmar, New Jersey.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay were notified by the Belmar Police department that a 17-year old free diver was reportedly missing in the Shark River Inlet at around 5 p.m.

A Coast Guard 29-foot Response Boat-Small rescue crew was dispatched from Station Shark River and an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew was dispatched from Air Station Atlantic City to aid in the search.

Also searching are members of the Avon-By-The-Sea and Belmar Police Departments.

Shark River Inlet is currently closed to maritime vessel traffic for the safety of search and rescue divers on scene.