Press Releases

June 12, 2008

Penobscot River Search to Resume This Morning for Missing Boater

Mattawamkeag – The Maine Warden Service will continue its search for a missing fisherman whose boat was overcome by water from a dam on the Penobscot River near Mattawamkeag on Wednesday night.

Wardens suspended their search shortly after midnight this morning because of high, fast water.

Wayne Crosby of East Millinocket, the missing boater, was out fishing below the dam with his brother Mark, also of East Millinocket, and a friend, Gilbert Chadoux, of East Millinocket, when the incident occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. The men are in their 40s.

The boat, a 20-foot Scott boat with a 6-horsepower Johnson motor, was approximately 20 yards from the falls below the dam, which is located off Route 157, when its engine went out. The falls create a reverse hydraulic, and the force from it pulled the boat under the falls and back out again, according to Sgt. Kevin Adam.

The three men were thrown from the boat. Mr. Chaloux made it to shore, and was transported to Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln by Lincoln Fire and Rescue.

Mr. Mark Crosby was rescued from the water about a hour after the incident occurred, according to Sgt. Adam. He was able to keep himself above water on a small island. He also is at Penobscot Valley Hospital.

A member of the Maine Warden Service Dive Team will be at the scene this morning to assess river conditions and determine how to proceed with the search for Mr. Wayne Crosby.

Warden Alan Curtis is the lead warden on the scene, and Warden Mike Boyer is assisting. Additional wardens will be there this morning.

Assisting in last night's search were the Maine State Police, Lincoln Fire and Rescue, and Mattawamkeag Fire.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

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