Missing paddleboarder found safe in Jamesport after massive search effort

A paddleboarder who hit the water at South Jamesport Beach and failed to return sparked a sprawling water rescue operation Wednesday, Riverhead Town Police said.

Police received the 911 call about 3:56 p.m. reporting the missing boarder, Riverhead’s Police Dive/Rescue Team responded, joined by the U.S. Coast Guard, Suffolk County Police Aviation and the NYSP Marine Unit, along with several neighboring police and fire departments.

The paddleboarder was ultimately found safe by a Southold Town Police officer, walking in the water near the beach off Peconic Bay Boulevard near Wendy Drive, police said.

Peconic Bay is a popular paddling destination, with calm, sheltered waters, but conditions can shift quickly with tide changes and wind.

Police did not release the paddleboarder’s identity.

_{Top: South Jamesport Beach (Google Maps Street View)}