Search underway for body of 18-year-old missing swimmer near Huntington Beach Pier

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Thursday, February 8, 2018
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A search is underway for the body of an 18-year-old woman who went missing in the water near the Huntington Beach Pier.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A search is underway Wednesday for the body of a woman who went missing in the water near the Huntington Beach Pier.

The woman was identified by authorities as 18-year-old Jessy Cook.

Huntington Beach police received a report shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday about a female jumping off the pier. Police could not confirm whether she jumped or fell into the water.

"We searched all night and we had some good visibility throughout the night, there wasn't as much fog, but we are hoping our helicopter is able to see," said Lt. Dan Ippolito with the Coast Guard.

A boat crew and a helicopter were dispatched as part of the search effort. The Coast Guard, the Huntington Beach Police Department, Huntington Beach Lifeguards and the Orange County Sheriff's Department were involved in the search.

Divers were in the water taking part in what turned into a recovery operation. The goal for the search is to bring closure to the family. Authorities are in touch with Cook's family.

"We have spoken with the family and we're keeping them updated. They're obviously very concerned, and we're going to keep them updated with our efforts," Ippolito said.

If you have any information about this case, you're urged to contact the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach command center at (310) 521-3801.