SANTA CRUZ – Rescuers retrieved a naked man’s tattooed body from immense surf off Mitchell’s Cove Beach near Merced Avenue about 4 p.m. Wednesday.

A rescue swimmer helped to retrieve the body.

Sgt. Chris Clark of Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said responders found the man in the surf line and investigators have been able to identify the body but are working to notify relatives before releasing that information.

The man had large tattoos on his torso and his body was visible from West Cliff Drive until responders covered it. Rescuers also used a personal watercraft to retrieve the body.

He anticipated release of the man’s identity Thursday morning.

“Our coroner’s unit responded,” Clark said. “An autopsy will be done.”

He also said it was Santa Cruz Police Department’s investigation.

He deferred to them questions about whether foul play was apparent.

Santa Cruz Police Department spokeswoman Joyce Blaschke confirmed that agency is investigating.

Santa Cruz police ask anyone with information to call investigations at 831-420-5820, the anonymous tip line at 831-420-5995 or leave a tip at santacruzpolice.com or the mobile application at m.santacruzpolice.com.