Public Affairs Detachment New York
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: July 26, 2008 
Public Affairs
(212) 668-7114

Press Release

MULTIPLE AGENCIES SEARCHING FOR MISSING SWIMMER AT CONEY ISLAND, N.Y.

NEW YORK-Multiple agencies are searching for a 10-year-old female swimmer at Coney Island, N.Y., who was reported missing around 6:15 p.m. today.

Witnesses reported the girl missing to the New York City Police Department, who launched their Marine unit to commence the search. A rescue crew from Coast Guard Station New York and a helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City are also searching for the girl.

"The undertows and rip tides have been particularly strong around the beaches for the past few weeks," said Cmdr. Greg Hitchen, Coast Guard Sector New York's chief of operations. "The Coast Guard continues to urge the public to use caution while enjoying the water in areas known for rip tides."

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*U.S. Coast Guard, saving lives since 1790*