Coast Guard, locals search for missing clammer near Long Cove, Maine

Coast Guard, local agencies search for 2 fisherman near Nantucket © U.S. Coast Guard

Coast Guard suspends search for missing clammer

The Coast Guard suspended its search Friday for a missing man who did not return from a clamming trip near Long Cove, Maine, Thursday evening.

Missing is 33-year-old Paul Benner.

A family member alerted the Department of Public Safety in Augusta, Maine, to the situation Thursday, resulting in a request for Coast Guard Sector Northern New England assistance by Maine Marine Patrol. The family reported that Benner departed from the Long Cove Boat Ramp at 5 p.m. to clam on Clark Island off Long Cove, and did not return later in the evening. Benner was reported to be in a 16-foot skiff that matches the description of an unmanned skiff found near Long Cove last night.

Three Coast Guard 47-foot boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Boothbay Harbor and Rockland searched overnight and through Friday. Two helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod searched by air.

Knox County Sheriff's Office personnel conducted patrols on foot, MMP, and State Police Dive Team assisted with searches in the water.

Original Press Release: The Coast Guard, Knox County Sheriff's Office, and Maine Marine Patrol are searching for a missing man Friday who did not return from a clamming trip near Long Cove Thursday evening.

Missing is 35-year-old Paul Brenner. A family member alerted the Department of Public Safety in Augusta, Maine, to the situation Thursday, resulting in a request for Coast Guard Sector Northern New England assistance by Maine Marine Patrol.

The family reported that Brenner departed from the Long Cove Boat Ramp at 5 p.m. to clam on Clark Island off Long Clove, and did not return later in the evening. Brenner was reported to be in a 16-foot skiff that matches the description of an unmanned skiff found near Long Cove last night.

A Coast Guard Station Rockland 47-foot boat crew searched overnight, and a Coast Guard Station Boothbay Harbor boat crew is joining the search today. Helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod are searching by air.

Knox County Sheriff's Office personnel are conducting patrols on foot and MMP are assisting with searches in the water.

Seas in the area are about 3 feet, and the water temperature is about 37 degrees.