ROCKLAND, Maine — A 78-year-old North Haven man was confirmed to have died Friday afternoon aboard his lobster boat that was found racing in circles off the Rockland breakwater.
Robert Staples died despite the efforts of emergency crews, who performed CPR aboard the lobster boat Legacy and at the dock of the Coast Guard station, said Maine Marine Patrol Sgt. Matt Talbot.
The lobster boat, based out of North Haven, was first spotted by the crew of the Maine State Ferry Everett Libby shortly before 3 p.m. The crew of a Coast Guard boat from the Rockland station and a private fishing boat, Hours and Hours, were having difficulty getting aboard the boat because of the speed at which it was circling.
Shortly before 4 p.m., members of the Maine Marine Patrol were able to get alongside the vessel, and marine patrol Spc. Corrie Roberts was able to get aboard. She was able to get the vessel under control, and it was brought inside the breakwater where the seas were far less rough. The Coast Guard then got aboard as well and tried to resuscitate Staples.
When the boat arrived at the Coast Guard station, a Rockland emergency medical services crew joined in the effort to revive the man.
The cause of death is not yet determined but was believed to be a medical issue.