Authorities searching for missing swimmer in Newport

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — A water search for a missing swimmer took place in Newport on Sunday and has been called off by some agencies for the night.

ORIGINAL NOTE: https://www.wpri.com/news/authorities-searching-for-missing-swimmer-in-newport/

A spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) told 12 News this search was called off due to darkness and very rough water.

The U.S. Coast Guard, however, said they are still searching by boat until 3 a.m. on Monday.

A helicopter the Coast Guard used Sunday for the search will be back up around 5 a.m.

The search began after a man in his 20s around 5 p.m. was in the water near the area known as 12 O’Clock High on the north end of Brenton Point shoreline, according to a DEM spokesperson.

Authorities said he was swimming in rough water and wasn’t able to be seen anymore by people on the beach.

Local first responders also assisted with the search.

The swimmer was not wearing a life jacket.