Search on for swimmer reported missing in Atlantic City

A search was underway for a man reported missing in the water near the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Atlantic City police said officers responded at 9:43 p.m. Tuesday for an unconfirmed report of a missing swimmer.

"Officers spoke with a female who was under Steel Pier with a 31-year-old male who went into the ocean around 8:15 p.m." police said in a statement, "The female left the area before the male returned. It is unknown at this time if the swimmer returned to land."

Police said the Coast Guard was notified as a precaution and started a search.

The Coast Guard said it launched a 29-foot rescue boat from Station Atlantic City along with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City to conduct initial searches.

The Coast Guard Cutter Mako, an 87-foot patrol boat based out of Cape May, also was diverted to the scene and searched throughout the night.

At least seven people have drowned at the Jersey Shore since Memorial Day, including two teenagers in Atlantic City in June.