The body of Thomas West, 63, of Steuben, Maine, was recovered from Dyer Bay after his lobster boat was found running unattended. A search was launched overnight, but hampered by low visibility. The cause of death is under investigation.
A somber discovery was made early this morning in coastal Maine waters following an overnight search for a missing lobsterman. The Maine Department of Marine Resources confirmed the recovery of the body of Thomas West , a 63-year-old resident of Steuben , Maine .
The search began late last night after concerned local fishermen reported West’s 35-foot lobster boat, named Aces and Eights, was found operating without anyone on board. The vessel was located near the wharf at the end of Merritt Road in Dyer Bay, immediately raising concerns for West’s well-being. Initial search efforts were hampered by challenging conditions, specifically low visibility, which ultimately led to a temporary suspension of the operation in the early hours of the morning.
The initial notification to Marine Patrol came from the Maine Department of Public Safety’s Regional Communications Center around 9 p.m. on April 21st. Responding officers immediately deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to conduct a preliminary underwater search in the vicinity of Aces and Eights. Despite the rapid response, the limited visibility proved to be a significant obstacle, preventing a thorough assessment of the area.
The search was paused at approximately 2:30 a.m. with plans to resume with daylight and improved conditions. However, tragically, those plans were superseded by the devastating news that West’s body had been located by family members just hours later, at 6 a.m. on April 22nd. The discovery was made in the waters of Dyer Bay, close to the location where the unattended vessel was initially spotted.
The family immediately contacted authorities, and West’s body was carefully transferred to a relative’s fishing vessel. The circumstances surrounding West’s disappearance and subsequent death are currently under investigation. His body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, Maine, where a thorough examination will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death. Authorities have not yet released any information regarding potential contributing factors to the incident.
The close-knit fishing community of Steuben is understandably grieving the loss of a long-time member. Thomas West was a well-known and respected figure in the local lobster fishing industry, and his passing has left a void in the community. The Maine Department of Marine Resources and Marine Patrol are offering condolences to the West family and are cooperating fully with the medical examiner’s investigation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who work on the sea, even in familiar waters. The investigation will likely focus on whether mechanical failure, a medical event, or other unforeseen circumstances contributed to this tragic outcome. The recovery of the vessel, Aces and Eights, will also be a part of the investigation, to determine if any equipment malfunctions played a role
Maine Lobsterman Missing Person Search And Rescue Dyer Bay Thomas West Marine Patrol Department Of Marine Resources Steuben
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