MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. — A man feared drowned in waters off New York's Long Island is believed to be alive and well.

A New York State Park Police captain says the man was detained in South Carolina early this morning.

Raymond Roth told South Carolina authorities he was headed back to New York, and they allowed him to proceed north.

Officials looking for Roth had been conducting air and sea searches off Massapequa since Saturday. His son had told authorities they last saw him swim out near Jones Beach and lost sight of him.

Park Police Capt. Bruce Marx says Roth was later seen in Florida. Marx also confirms Roth was stopped by police and released in Santee, S.C., about 3:30 a.m. today.

It is unclear exactly what transpired and whether criminal charges will be filed.