No Evidence Of Missing Jersey Shore Swimmer, Officials Say

CAPE MAY, NJ — The search for an alleged missing swimmer from Cape May is over, as there is no evidence anyone ever went missing in the first place, city officials said.

"After a thorough investigation, we can confirm that no official missing person report was filed with our department and/or with our partnering agencies," Cape May police and fire department said in an update Saturday afternoon.

Authorities had spent hours Thursday and Friday searching for the apparent missing swimmer, who was reported missing Thursday morning, Patch previously reported. But when first responders initially arrived, they found out upon arrival that the report was nearly an hour old, and no one in distress was found in the immediate vicinity, police said.

Waterways and the shoreline will continue to be monitored.

"We understand the seriousness of any report involving a potentially missing person and appreciate the concern expressed by members of the community," city officials said. "Our department treats all such situations with the highest priority and due diligence in this instance. Based on all available information, there is no evidence to suggest that a missing person case exists or is warranted at this time."

Officials encouraged the public to continue to report any concerns to police.

"Please only swim near an active lifeguard stand on one of our protective beaches," officials said. "Thank you for your continued cooperation and support."