The Coast Guard and Duck authorities have suspended  a search for a swimmer who went missing this morning in the Atlantic Ocean.

Duck surf rescue, police, fire and Dare EMS were called to the beach access at Acorn Oak Avenue at 7:53 a.m. for a swimmer in distress. Town spokeswoman Christian Legner said the caller could see the swimmer but lost sight of him in the short time emergency personnel were responding to the call.

Once they arrived, first responders couldn’t locate the swimmer. A joint air and water search was launch with Dare MedFlight providing aerial support for Duck Surf Rescue and Duck Fire Department swimmers.

The U.S. Coast Guard searched with a helicopter and large vessel but couldn’t find the swimmer.

Legner said Duck Surf Rescue lifeguards would continue to respond to and investigate all reported sightings.

Seven people have died this year in ocean-related incidents along the Outer Banks.

The National Weather Service this morning issued an alert warning of a high risk of rip currents and dangerous shore break north of Cape Hatteras.

Text “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890 to sign up for text alerts from local Outer Banks lifeguards on the latest beach conditions.