Wading River water rescue leaves 2 missing, cops say

Riverhead Town Police and Coast Guard officers were searching for two missing people in the water near Wading River on Saturday.

Police said three people were fishing in the water off the inlet near the Wading River boat ramp about 3:30 p.m. when they were swept out to sea by a wave and pulled under by the current.

One man was able to grab a rock, pull himself to shore and call for help, though he lost sight of the other two men, Coast Guard officials said.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Riverhead police, Suffolk County Marine and Air Units and Riverhead firefighters were searching the water and surveying the beach late Saturday night after the tide came back in.

Authorities were assisted by a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to call 203-468-4421.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.