Search underway for missing swimmer in South Beach, NYPD says

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Police responded to reports of a missing swimmer at South Beach near the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk Thursday night.

An investigation was underway to locate the missing woman, and the NYPD's Harbor Unit was called in to assist in the search, according to the NYPD's deputy commissioner for public information.

An Advance/SILive.com reporter at the scene reported that multiple NYPD and FDNY units were involved in the search.

At least two New York Police Department boats and a New York Fire Department boat were spotted 300 yards offshore. Those boats have since left the scene; a small Coast Guard boat was still searching for the man as of 7:13 p.m.

Around 100 people could be seen watching the authorities from the promenade.

The FDNY confirmed it received a call about a drowning or someone falling into the water. Divers were initially deployed but were later pulled from the water, the spokesman said. The spokesman added that the search was continuing.

This is a breaking news item. More information will be added as it becomes available.