The U.S. Coast Guard suspended it's search off Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport for a lobsterman reported missing Thursday evening.
A 64-year-old lobsterman left Turbat’s Creek in a 12-foot aluminum skiff, but did not return as expected at 3 p.m., Coast Guard Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Commander Frank Kulesa said Friday.
When police notified the Coast Guard about 7 p.m., they mobilized a helicopter, lifeboat and fast-response cutter, he said.
On Friday morning they found several items, including his skiff, lifejackets and a seat.
“All indications we are seeing thus far is the potential area where the fisherman could be is a tight area close to shore between Walker’s Point and Turbat’s Creek,” he said during a news conference Friday.
The man was believed to be moving his lobster traps when he disappeared.
Drones and local fishermen assisted in the search.
Kulesa said they do not believe the lobsterman was wearing a wetsuit and they are not sure if he was wearing a lifejacket.
Walker’s Point is a short peninsula along the Atlantic shore that is home to a family compound of former presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush.
This story has been updated.