Missing LI personal watercraft user rescued

A search for a missing personal watercraft user ended when rescuers found the 50-year-old man adrift in Massapequa Cove on Sunday evening, removed him from the water and brought him safely to shore, police said.

The identity of the rescued man, who went into the water at about 7:30 p.m. off Alhambra Road, was not released.

Nassau County police said the situation was reported by a 47-year-old man who went to get help when the water scooter had mechanical issues in South Oyster Bay.

Police said when the man returned to the area, he was unable to locate his friend or the water scooter.

A search was conducted by the Massapequa Fire Department, police aviation and marine bureau officers and members of the Town of Oyster Bay marine enforcement division, Hempstead Bay constables and the U.S. Coast Guard. All together, the man was missing for 21/2 hours.

A partially submerged water scooter was recovered and towed to Wantagh Park.

Shortly afterward, police said, the 50-year-old was located "swimming to shore" in the cove.

Police said the man was removed from the water and taken to shore, where he declined medical assistance.