Cops: Search team finds missing swimmer's body in Big Fresh Pond

The body of a man who went missing while swimming Saturday in Southampton Town's Big Fresh Pond was recovered Sunday morning, police said.

The swimmer, identified as Vidal Martinez-Romero, 48, of Brooklyn, was last seen in distress and going under Saturday night, police said.

Police received a call shortly before 8 p.m. reporting the man’s disappearance in an area of the pond near Elliston Park, police said. Authorities searched for Martinez-Romero, but the effort was called off Saturday night because of darkness. The search resumed Sunday morning and Martinez-Romero's body was found in the water about 10 a.m., police said.

The investigation is ongoing but does not appear criminal, police said.

By Matthew Chayes

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Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.