Boat of Missing Maine Fishermen Found

Photo/USCG

The sunken boat belonging to two Maine fishermen who have been missing since Saturday, January 18, has been found.

Officials with Maine State Police and Marine Patrol said they discovered the 34-foot commercial fishing boat Sudden Impact in 160 feet of water near Moose Cove between the towns of Cutler and Lubec. The area where the boat was found is known for its strong tidal current activity.

Officials also said they observed what they believe to be a body on board the vessel.

Chester Barrett and his son Aaron, fishermen from South Addison, are believed to have been on the boat.

An underwater recovery dive team, assisted by local fishermen, took advantage of “slack water” last week and used a remotely operated underwater vehicle equipped with sonar and a camera to confirm the identity of the sunken fishing vessel.

Neither the body nor the vessel have yet to be recovered. Officials with Maine Marine Patrol said they will continue to work with family members of the Barretts to determine next steps, including consultation with deep water salvage and recovery experts to determine whether a recovery effort is feasible.