Kite surfer is safe, unaware he was subject of air and sea search off Ocean City
He had paddled to shore and "went about his Thanksgiving," Ocean Police said.
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A kite surfer who was the subject of a search after an onlooker reported he was in trouble in the waters of Ocean City, N.J., has informed authorities he is safe.
“Visiting kite surfer experienced some technical difficulties, cut kite and paddled to safety,” Ocean City police said in a statement Friday. “Unaware of rescue efforts, he went about his Thanksgiving.”
According to a 911 call received by the Coast Guard station in Atlantic City, the kite surfer was seen drifting out to sea after falling off the board approximately 500 yards from Corson Inlet around 3:20 p.m. Thursday.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was dispatched from Air Station Atlantic City, along with a 47-foot motor lifeboat from Station Atlantic City and a 45-foot response boat from Station Cape May.
Ocean City police said searchers found a black and white Ocean Rodeo Cypher 10’ kite in the water but did not find any sign of the board or the missing surfer.
Police earlier said in a statement that they had hoped the surfer "returned to shore after separating from the kite and prior to first responders arriving to the scene.”