Search for teen at Shore suspended

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Monday for a Paterson teenager who disappeared in the waters off Long Branch on Sunday.

The 17-year-old boy was reported missing at 5:41 p.m. Sunday, said Long Branch Police Lt. Frank Morey.

The boy, who was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and khaki shorts, quickly became the object of marine and aerial search efforts that included the Coast Guard, local police and fire personnel and local lifeguards, according to Petty Officer Thomas McKenzie, a Coast Guard spokesman. The effort included divers.

The search was suspended overnight, but resumed at dawn Monday, McKenzie said, but was suspended around 9 a.m..

"They had exhausted all possible opportunities for search," McKenzie said.

Officially, the Coast Guard does not terminate searches, but no further efforts are planned, he said.

The search effort covered 88-nautical square miles, McKenzie said.

Authorities had not released the boy's name by Monday evening.

Contact staff writer Rita Giordano at 856-779-3841, rgiordano@phillynews.com or on Twitter @ritagiordano.