Preliminary reports indicate a plane is down in the water in Long Beach Island.

There are reports of three who were onboard the plane.

Initial reports of 20 people in the water may have been due to rescuers responding.

Developing.

UPDATE: Officials have called off the search after turning up empty-handed.

According to witnesses, it could have been a glider which went down into the water.

Authorities are investigating.

UPDATE 5:45 PM: The Coast Guard suspended its search for a possible downed aircraft off Long Island Beach, New Jersey, Thursday afternoon.

“After careful consideration, we have suspended the search for the reported aircraft,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Walsh, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “Swift action from our Coast Guard crews and local partners and extensive coverage of the search area allowed us to come to this decision, pending further developments.”

The Coast Guard says it received a report at 11:52 a.m. that a plane had potentially entered the water one mile offshore. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay diverted an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City. A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Atlantic City and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Barnegat Light also responded to the search area.

Other agencies involved include New Jersey State Police, Long Beach Township Police, Long Beach Township Beach Patrol, and Tow Boat U.S.

Searching the waters – thanks Marie! https://t.co/zCDu1bJj4s pic.twitter.com/WACf84esWm

— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) June 17, 2021