Search continues for two missing swimmers in Atlantic City

Atlantic City, NJ (WTXF) - Crews are searching for two missing swimmers in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Officials responded to calls around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday that two swimmers were drowning in the ocean off Kentucky Avenue beach.

First responders were on scene in less than two minutes and began entering the ocean to search for a man and woman.

According to police, 16-year-old Kaliyah Hand, of Atlantic City, was pulled from the shore by the rip current. Her friend, 15-year-old Ramon Quinn, of Pleasantville, attempted to rescue Hand. Both were pulled further out toward the jetty. Hand and Quinn began to struggle in the water and were pulled under.

The United States Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police and the Brigantine Dive Team all responded to assist in the search for Hand and Quinn. The shoreline was searched by helicopter, from the beach and the ocean.

The Atlantic City Beach Patrol was off-duty at the time of the incident. Upon hearing of the need for assistance, they immediately responded from a nearby beach tent

The search was suspended last night at 10 p.m. due to darkness and the rough conditions of the ocean.

Throughout the night, the United States Coast Guard remained on scene in the ocean. The police and fire departments remained on the beach and did sweeps of the shoreline.

The Atlantic City Police Chaplains responded to the beach and have been assisting the families.