Missing Rockland Boater Recovered from Chickawaukie Pond

ROCKLAND, Maine — The body of a missing boater was recovered Sunday night following an extensive search on Chickawaukie Pond in Rockland.

According to the Maine Warden Service, 59-year-old Timothy Payson of Rockland was reported missing after a homeowner near the lake heard calls for help Sunday morning. Authorities later located an unmanned inflatable boat circling on the lake with Payson’s dog still aboard.

A coordinated search involving Maine Game Wardens, local police, fire departments, EMS personnel, and dive teams continued throughout the day. Divers ultimately located Payson in approximately 15 feet of water at about 10:20 p.m.

Officials have not yet released details regarding the circumstances that led to Payson entering the water, and the incident remains under investigation.

The Maine Warden Service reminds boaters to always wear a properly fitted life jacket and to ensure someone knows their boating plans before heading out on the water.