A search and rescue operation was underway Tuesday afternoon for a teen swimmer last seen in the Rockaways.
Police said a 17-year-old boy went missing around 3:30 p.m. near Beach 73rd Street and Shore Front Parkway.
Teams of first responders from the FDNY, NYPD and U.S. Coast Guard were seen searching the waters throughout the afternoon. None had been successful within the first three hours of the search.
Officers evacuated a portion of the beach after a group of people had formed a human chain in an effort to help in the search.
Lifeguards are not yet on New York City beaches until the official start of the summer season this coming weekend.
