Rescuers unable to locate missing surfer

Rescuers were unable to locate a surfer missing in treacherous ocean waters off Gilgo Beach Thursday, officials said, despite several hours of searching.

The 30-year-old surfer, whose name was not released, was reported to be in distress in waters about a quarter-mile east of Gilgo Beach about 6 p.m., officials said.

State Park Police units were joined by land, sea and air units from Suffolk County police, Nassau County police, and the Coast Guard in the search.

But by late Thursday, he had not yet been found and strong winds and high surf conditions forced the aviation and some boat units to discontinue their search for the night, officials said.

The National Weather Service in Upton has had a "high surf advisory" notification in place because of dangerous water conditions brought to the Long Island area by Hurricane Katia.

Meteorologist John Murray of the weather service said, "We had conditions all this week because of that system. It's safer not to be in the water." The area surf was 5 to 10 feet in height, Murray said, and there are strong rip currents.

The dangerous conditions should begin to subside Friday night, Murray said, and surf heights should be down to 1 to 3 feet.