Cape May Firefighters were dispatched to Madison Avenue Beach for a report of a person in the water who had not resurfaced. Upon arrival, it was determined that the report had been made nearly an hour earlier, and no individual in distress was located in the immediate area.

Firefighters, working alongside the U.S. Coast Guard Fire Department, Air Station Atlantic City, Small Boat Station Cape May, Townbank Fire Company Fire Boat 61, North Wildwood Fire Department Fire Boat 2, the New Jersey State Police Marine and Aviation Units, Cape May Beach Patrol, Cape May Police Department, and private marine recovery agencies, conducted extensive search operations. Crews utilized side-scan sonar and remained on scene until shortly after 2:30 p.m.

Search efforts are continuing under the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police Marine Services. Authorities have reported that the missing individual is believed to be a female, approximately 30 to 40 years old. Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Detective Atkinson of the Cape May Police Department at 609-884-9508.

Due to hazardous surf conditions, Cape May Beach Patrol has closed all waters.