Boy, 14, missing after being swept out to sea in Ocean City, N.J.

OCEAN CITY, N.J., June 30 (UPI) -- A 14-year-old boy was missing and believed drowned after he and other swimmers were caught in a rip current in Ocean City, N.J.

The Beach Patrol Rapid Response Team pulled 14 people from the water Sunday evening, the Coast Guard said. When officials realized the teenager was missing, the area was searched by divers, boats, jet skis and a Coast Guard helicopter for two hours, until darkness set in and the search was resumed Monday morning.

Officials said the boy and friends were swimming when the current carried them away from the beach. Bystanders who jumped in to help them were also caught by the strong rip.

Ocean City lifeguards go off duty at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday and signs are posted warning swimmers to stay out of the water after hours. The Rapid Response Team remains on duty until 8 p.m. in case of emergencies.

The marine units of the Ocean City Police and State Police, the Coast Guard, the Ocean City Fire Department and volunteers joined in the search.