Search called off for two teenagers missing while swimming near Jacob Riis Park

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the search for the two teenagers who disappeared while swimming near Jacob Riis Park on Friday, June 21, has officially been called off.

The search was called off after 24 hours, after covering 600 square miles from Sandy Hook, New Jersey, to Long Beach, New York. Both teens remain missing as of this evening, Saturday, June 22.

“The decision to call off a search is always difficult and stressful for everyone involved,” said Captain Jonathan Andrechik, Coast Guard Sector New York commander. “Our crews, along with our partner agencies, conducted a comprehensive search and our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time.”

One of the missing teens was identified as Elyjha Chandler, 16, of Brooklyn. The second missing teen was identified only as a 17-year-old named Christian, according to police.

This morning, Elyjha’s mother, Aminatu Noah, asked the public for prayers in a Facebook livestream.

“If you’re watching, please pray for my son,” Noah said, fighting back tears. “If there’s anything… Lord, please take me and leave him here. Spare him. Please find him and spare him.”

According to Elyjha’s father, Urshell Chandler, his son went into the water around 6:35 p.m. on Friday, June 21, when he and one of the other boys were swept underwater. A Good Samaritan immediately rushed to help and tried to pull Elyjha from the water. After surfacing three times, Elyjha went underwater again and never resurfaced.

“He wasn’t far out in the water,” Chandler said told the New York Post. “One of the boys told me that when the water hit them, it was as if a demon was coming toward them.”

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.