Missing Nude Swimmer Finally Found Hiding Under Pier

A man decided to strip off his clothes and go for a late night swim in the nude around 9:20 PM but when he didn't return until after 10:00 PM his friend got worried and called police.

That started off the search for 37-year-old Neal Mello of New York. Rescuers were dispatched the same time but they had no luck until they finally spotted him around 5:30 AM.

Mello was found a few hundred yards from where his nude swim began. Coast Guard Officer Annie Berlin said he appeared to be in good physical condition but was "without the benefit of a swimsuit". And why did it take so long for him to be spotted? "He was hesitant about coming out because he did not have any clothes on," she said.

"We assumed he was in distress and that's why the search began. Mr. Mello's modesty may have been harmed, but he could have done himself worse by not swallowing his pride and showing himself to rescuers when he did," said another officer.

The search included a Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter, two Jones Beach station rescue boats - along with crews from the Marine Police and aviation units - all scouring the waters looking for the naked swimmer who did not want to be found.

 � Copyright 2004-2015 The News Vault. All rights reserved.