The search for a swimmer who authorities believe likely drowned in the waters off the Palisades Park section of Overpeck Park Saturday was postponed as darkness set in, police said.
Witnesses told police a man between 20 to 30 years old tried to swim from the east to west bank of Overpeck Creek, but turned back a little more than half of the way across before disappearing underwater around 5 p.m., according to Bergen County Police Lt. James Mullin.
Authorities were withholding the man’s name until his next of kin could be notified, Mullin added.
An initial rescue effort by Ridgefield Park and Palisades Park firefighters turned up nothing and a New Jersey State Police helicopter was brought in to aid in the search, Mullin said. Fire boats from Teaneck, Leonia and Ridgefield were also deployed.
An underwater robot from the county police department’s water search and recovery unit was used to scour the murky creek, but darkness forced officers to suspend the effort, Mullin said Saturday night. County police plan to resume the search Sunday morning.Authorities were withholding the man’s name until his next of kin could be notified, Mullin added.
Find out what's happening in Teaneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here
