Missing Kite Surfer Sparks Search Off Berkeley Coast: Police

BERKELEY, NJ — A large, multi-agency search was launched off the coast of Berkeley Township Sunday after a kite surfer was reported missing - but the report turned out to be unfounded, according to Berkeley police.

Police went to the area of 21st Avenue and the ocean Oct. 19 for the report of a kite surfer in distress. The 911 caller said that the surfer, about one mile out from the coastline, had gone underwater and not come back up, police said.

The U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, Seaside Park Water Rescue, Seaside Heights Water Rescue, the Ocean County Sheriff's Department and Seaside Park police all joined in the search.

"Numerous" investigative means were used to try to identify the surfer, police said. During this, authorities learned that a group of kite surfers was heading north from Island Beach State Park. One of these surfers had a black and white sail, which matched the caller's description of the missing surfer, police said.

Police made contact with that group in Deal and all surfers were accounted for, police said.