BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine — The U.S. Coast Guard and the Maine Marine Patrol are investigating the death of a 77-year-old fisherman off Boothbay Harbor.
Capt. Christopher Roberge told the Maine Sunday Telegram that Coast Guard crews received a distress call from a fishing vessel captain at about 1 p.m. Saturday. He says the captain reported that a lobster boat was adrift without anyone on board, just south of Spruce Point in Linekin Bay.
Two Coast Guard rescue boats and a Jayhawk rescue helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod responded to the distress call. They located the fisherman around 3:15 p.m. He was floating in the water one mile south of Squirrel Island.
The Coast Guard says the man was not wearing a life vest or survival suit. His name isn’t being released pending notification of his relatives.
My first thought was this was very sad and unfortunate. However, I can’t help but think of my 84-year-old father who still goes lobstering every day during the summer, and my deceased grandfather who also went lobstering right up until the day he passed away. Most of these fishermen LIVE to be on the water and would prefer to end their lives right there. Condolences to the family, but may you find peace that your loved one probably died doing what he loved to do and never had to experience the long, drawn-out struggle that many people go through on their way out.
Eloquently said. How I wish that my Dad could have died doing something he loved instead of dying in a hospice ward from cancer.
I’m sorry about your dad. It’s so hard to see them struggle with end -of-life.
Thank you.
My thoughts exactly. Thank you.
Condolences to the family of this fisherman. RIP sir.