Maine lobsterman found dead after boat discovered adrift overnight
A small lobster is seen resting atop a trap before it is tossed back into the Gulf of Maine. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
STEUBEN, Maine - The body of a 63-year-old lobsterman was recovered early this morning after his boat was found running unattended overnight, prompting a search in coastal waters.
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According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the body of Thomas West, 63, of Steuben was recovered earlier this week from Dyer Bay near his 35-foot lobster boat, Aces and Eights, which was moored near the wharf at the end of Merritt Road.
West’s body was discovered in the water at 6 a.m. April 22 by family members.
Marine Patrol was notified at 9 p.m. the previous night by the Maine Department of Public Safety’s Regional Communications Center that West was missing after local fishermen reported his boat was running with no one aboard.
Marine Patrol launched a search using a remotely operated vehicle near the vessel but suspended the effort at 2:30 a.m. due to low visibility. Crews planned to resume the search later that morning but were notified that West’s body had been found and transferred to a relative’s fishing vessel.
What's next:
The body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for examination.
The Source: The information in this story comes primarily from the Maine Department of Marine Resources, with additional details provided through notifications from the Maine Department of Public Safety’s Regional Communications Center and the response by Marine Patrol. This story was reported from Los Angeles.