Search for Slovak Woman Lost in Ocean off Point Pleasant Suspended

Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch

The massive search for a 24-year-old woman from Slovakia who went missing in the ocean off Point Pleasant Beach early Sunday morning was suspended by the U.S. Coast Guard Sunday night.

Zuzana Oravcova went in the water at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday along with Thomas Kadlec, 23. The pair were both from Slovakia and were overwhelmed by “high surf conditions,” Point Pleasant Beach police said. Kadlec made it back to shore, but Oravcova did not, prompting the search, which included local first responders, Coast Guard crews from Station Manasquan Inlet, a helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City and the massive, 154-foot Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch.

The Fritch, homeported in Cape May, could be seen conducting the search in a grid pattern off Seaside Heights all afternoon Sunday. The couple entered the surf while strong winds were blowing from the northeast.

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The Coast Guard announced it had suspended its search just after 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time,” said Capt. Scott Anderson, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “Suspending a search is always a difficult decision and it’s something we don’t take lightly.”