Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Body Found in Ocean City Confirmed as David McAuliffe

The captain of the Cape Hatteras was a 1997 graduate of Lacey Township High School

State Police have confirmed that a body found in Ocean City on Wednesday morning was that of missing Sea Tow boat operator David McAuliffe.

McAuliffe's body was found at the tide line of the beach at 25th Street in Ocean City by employees who were cleaning the beach Wednesday morning, at 6:07 a.m.

McAuliffe, 34, of Egg Harbor Township, and his boat, the Cape Hatteras, went missing last Tuesday, April 23. The boat was recovered on Sunday and inspected on Monday, at which time it was discovered McAuliffe was no longer on board.

Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The cause of McAuliffe's death is believed to be an accidental drowning, according to a preliminary autopsy, state police said. McAuliffe's body is currently at the Cape May County Medical Examiner's Office.

"After working with us for 10 years, Capt. Dave McAuliffe was like a son to us.  We are heartbroken, as is the entire Sea Tow Atlantic City team," Sea Tow Atlantic City Owners Capt. John and Sandy McLaughlin said in a joint statement issued Wednesday afternoon. "As our Lead Captain, Dave was an integral part of our operation, and we will miss him greatly.  This is an incredibly hard time for his family and friends.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve his loss."

Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The body was taken off the beach about 8 a.m.

Capt. Steve Ang said Ocean City Police had been patrolling the beach each morning, searching for McAuliffe.

McAuliffe was a 1997 graduate of Lacey Township High School.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.