KURE BEACH — Local authorities have identified a man who reportedly jumped off the Kure Beach pier and went missing in the water Monday afternoon.
Maynor Francisco Cruz Bardalez, 25, of Wilmington, was one of two people that jumped off the Kure Beach Pier, 100 K Ave. in Kure Beach, at about 1:40 p.m., Monday, according to the Kure Beach Police Department.
Bardalez disappeared from sight, while the other male was rescued by emergency personnel at the scene.
According to a 911 call released by New Hanover County Emergency Services, a witness to the incident said one of the men jumped in the water to save the other.
The man who went under, was last seen about 50 feet to the right of the pier looking from the pier house, the caller reported to the dispatcher.
Authorities have not released the name of the rescued male. He was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center. His condition is still unknown.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Kure Beach Police, Kure Beach Fire and ocean rescue have conducted an extensive search of the area since the incident Monday afternoon. According to Kure Beach Assistant Fire Chief Ed Kennedy, the Coast Guard contributed several boats and a helicopter to the search.
According to Kure Beach Police, the U.S. Coast Guard has since suspended its search efforts Tuesday afternoon. Kure Beach authorities continue to search the beach strand and will support main search efforts.
