Aviation, marine and diving units from the Coast Guard, the New York Police Department and Nassau police suspended their search of East Rockaway Inlet late Saturday for a 35-year-old man who went under after he tried to help a co-worker, authorities said.
Ramon Figero was roughly 300 yards offshore, near Beach 12th Street and Seagirt Boulevard in Far Rockaway, when he went under about 8:15 a.m., officials said.

Figero and co-worker Daria Miranda, 24, were swimming when she indicated she was in distress, Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Barbara Patton said. Figero was trying to help Miranda to shore "when he went under as well," she said.

Miranda was pulled unconscious from the water by boaters and taken to shore, where she was rushed by ambulance to St. John's Episcopal Hospital, authorities said. She was listed in critical condition.

Another co-worker, 21, who had stayed behind on the beach reported the incident, the Coast Guard said. It was unclear where the three were employed, and authorities did not release information about where they lived.

"Today, there was an exhaustive effort by all agencies involved. We saturated the area with assets and searched for 12 hours," said Chief Petty Officer Keith Kucera, the executive officer of Coast Guard Station Jones Beach. "It's always a good idea to check the water temperature and weather reports before going out. Wearing a lifejacket may also improve your chances of being located as they help keep you above water."

NYPD divers, working in teams of two, made dives every half-hour throughout the day, police said. Rescue crews from Coast Guard Station Jones Beach and Nassau Police Aviation Bureau searched near the Atlantic Beach Bridge.

The Coast Guard said the water temperature was 59 degrees, with a 2-foot to 3-foot surf.

- With staff writer Christina Hernandez