Kayaker Found Dead In Surf Off Ocean City

The discovery of an unmanned kayak in the ocean Saturday morning in Ocean City led to a massive search and the recovery of an unconscious man in the surf near 15th Street.

The man was pulled from the water and transported to Shore Medical Center, where he was declared dead. State Police Sgt. Brian Polite identified the victim as Gary Pasternak, 59, of Ocean City.

The kayak entered the water before the Ocean City Beach Patrol was on duty, and a lifeguard reportedly discovered it floating unmanned about 300 yards offshore at 10:25 a.m., according to Ocean City Police Capt. Steve Ang.

The Ocean City Masters Swim was going on down the beach at 34th Street. 

The subsequent search included the Beach Patrol, Coast Guard and Ocean City Police and Fire Departments.

Ocean City Beach Patrol members found the body about 150 yards off the beach, according to Polite. They administered CPR to the man even as they transported him to the beach on a rescue sled pulled by a personal watercraft.
Fire Department EMTs continued CPR as he was transported to the hospital, according to Ocean City Fire Department Deputy Chief Jim Smith.

The initial investigation indicates the kayaker entered the water near 21st Street sometime around 9:30 a.m. The victim's shoes and kayak wheels were reportedly found on the beach.

Gary and Beth Pasternak are listed as homeowners on the 2100 block of Wesley Avenue in Ocean City.

The State Police Marine Division will investigate the death. The cause of death is pending a medical examination, Polite said. Pasternak was not wearing a life jacket, he said.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol referred comments to the investigating police units.

Beachgoers interviewed at 15th Street later on Saturday were unaware of the search and recovery that had occurred early that morning.