Deal, NJ – A 24-year-old Israeli soldier visiting the United States was rescued early Friday after an extensive overnight search by The Flatbush Jersey Shore Shomrim, the Deal Police Department, and other emergency responders.
The young man was reported missing after attending the SBH Food Festival, prompting an immediate search of Deal Beach and the surrounding area. Authorities and volunteers mobilized quickly, deploying search teams along the shoreline while drones scanned from above in an effort to locate him.
Extensive search lasted more than two hours
According to Jersey Shore Shomrim, every available resource was used during the search as responders raced against time to find the missing visitor.
After more than two hours, at approximately 2:45 a.m., searchers discovered the man unconscious in bushes near the beach. Officials said he was unable to call for help and had remained unnoticed until search teams reached the area.
“Thanks to the relentless determination, professionalism, and outstanding teamwork of Jersey Shore Shomrim, the Deal Police Department, this story ended with a life saved,” the organization said in a statement.
Coordinated response credited with saving life
Responders credited the close coordination between Shomrim volunteers, Deal police officers, and other first responders for the successful outcome.
“It is impossible not to wonder what could have happened had he remained there for just a little longer,” the statement said. “Every minute mattered, and tonight those minutes made all the difference.”
Jersey Shore Shomrim also expressed gratitude to the volunteers, police officers, and emergency personnel who continued searching until the missing man was found.
The man’s condition after he was located has not been released, and officials have not said what caused him to lose consciousness.
The Flatbush Shomrim Saftey Patrol (FSSP) operates informally as the Jersey Shore Shomrim.
