Swimmer reported missing dies near Oceanside Pier

A man reported missing after entering the ocean near the Oceanside Pier early Saturday morning was later pronounced dead, authorities confirmed.

The Oceanside Fire Department received a call around 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning from a witness who said they had seen a male swimming in the water near the Oceanside Pier just after 4 a.m.

Lifeguards and police launched a search effort utilizing pier vantage points, surveillance cameras, and watercraft, according to a press release shared by the fire department.

The initial search was suspended around 5:30 a.m. after crews were unable to locate anyone in the water.

Several hours later, just before 11 a.m., Oceanside authorities say lifeguards discovered an unresponsive male near Lifeguard Tower 12 in Oceanside Harbor Beach. Lifesaving measures were initiated, but the man was pronounced dead a short time later.

Authorities believe the person found unresponsive in the water is the same person who was reported missing earlier in the morning.

The Oceanside Lifeguard Division would like to remind the public to exercise caution when entering the ocean, especially during early morning hours or when lifeguards are not actively monitoring the water. They remind swimmers to stay near an open lifeguard tower and avoid entering the water alone