New London — More than three hours after initial reports of a suicidal male on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, search and rescue workers on Thursday afternoon recovered the man’s body from the Thames River.

The body was recovered around 3:40 p.m., almost directly below the bridge in about 9 feet of water, according to a state police press release.

State police are withholding the name of the man pending notification to next of kin.

The man was in his mid-20s, wearing a red shirt and gray shorts, said U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Russ Tippets earlier Thursday.

Police started receiving 911 calls at about 12:20 p.m. State troopers met with witnesses and determined that reports of the suicide were credible, according to the release.

Vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, New London Police Department, Groton Long Point Police Department, Groton City Police Department, East Lyme Fire Department and State Police Emergency Services participated in search efforts.

Emergency personnel were stationed on both sides of the bridge throughout the search. Searchers were at the boat launch in Groton and State Pier in New London. State police lent a helicopter to the search, and Groton City Fire Chief Nicholas DeLia said at the scene Thursday that Mystic Fire Department and state police both used sonar to help locate the man’s body.

t.townsend@theday.com

Twitter: @ConnecticuTess