The Monmouth County Sheriff’s boat Marine 1, seen here in the Navesink on Saturday, is involved in the search. (Photo by Trish Russoniello. Click to enlarge)

Authorities launched a massive search for a 40-foot boat reported to have sunk off Sandy Hook Tuesday afternoon, according to news reports.

The search, involving Coast Guard and police vessels, divers and helicopters, began with a 4:30 p.m. report of a 40-foot vessel sinking in the Sandy Hook Channel, abc7ny.com reported.

The Coast Guard reported the boat may be a 40-foot fishing trawler called “El Jefe,” according to that report.

CBS2 reported that “rescuers arrived to find only small clues bobbing on the surface, including a life ring and a cooler. But before sunset, they also found floating oil that could have come from a boat in distress.”

The search, which was called off about five hours, was expected to resume Wednesday morning, according to reports.

It’s not clear if anyone was on board the boat when it when down near buoy 14. No one has been reported missing as of late Tuesday night, abc7ny reported.