Julio Pierre, 31, was last seen around 7 p.m. Saturday and searches to locate him have been unsuccessful
BRADLEY BEACH -- The swimmer who disappeared in the ocean off Bradley Beach Saturday evening has been identified as a recent Haitian immigrant to Newark.
Julio Pierre, 31, had traveled to Bradley Beach with friends to escape the heat and was last seen in the ocean near the Brinley Avenue jetty around 7 p.m., Bradley Beach Police Chief Leonard Guida said Sunday afternoon.
"For all intents and purposes, we're looking at it as a recovery, not as a rescue," Guida said.
Pierre had immigrated to Newark about a month ago. He arrived with friends at Bradley Beach around 11 a.m., he said.
"They came down here trying to beat the heat up north and it turned into a tragedy," said Guida, a veteran officer in the popular Jersey Shore town.
He said he could not recall another swimmer having survived an overnight ordeal in the ocean.
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The Coast Guard continued to search for Pierre overnight and throughout Sunday, said Petty Officer Seth Johnson, a Coast Guard spokesman.
Guida said he and other officials on shore had suspended what he referred to as a "submerged search" for Pierre at about 11 a.m., recalling divers from the waters just off the beach.
"We've exhausted the area," said Guida. A Bradley Beach officer remained on the scene Sunday afternoon, and the department remained in touch with the Coast Guard.
The New Jersey State Police, the Belmar Water Rescue Team, Asbury Park Fire and Rescue, Monmouth County Sheriff's Department and volunteer divers also assisted in the search, Guida said.
The chief said it had been several years since the last drowning in Bradley Beach and the disappearance of Pierre had shaken first responders in the town.
"It's a tragedy for everyone," Guida said.
Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.