Fisherman Dies After Rogue Wave Capsizes Boat Off Maine Coast

A fishing trip off the coast of Downeast Maine turned tragic after a rogue wave reportedly capsized a small boat, killing one fisherman and leaving another needing rescue.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, two fishermen left Beal’s Island Marina around 10 a.m. Monday in a 17-foot skiff. They were headed toward Crumple Island, located south of Beals and Jonesport, and were expected to return to the mainland around 3 p.m.

The surviving fisherman told officials that a wave hit the boat and caused it to capsize.

Around 5:30 p.m. Monday, WMTW reported that a Coast Guard crew spotted one person signaling for help from Crumple Island. Because of shallow water in the area, another nearby boat was able to reach the person and bring them to safety.

That boat also recovered a second person, who was unresponsive.

Medical officials at the Coast Guard station in Jonesport later determined that the second fisherman had died.

The surviving fisherman was evaluated for hypothermia and released.

Family members of both fishermen were reportedly waiting at the Coast Guard station when the men were brought back to shore.

The Maine Marine Patrol and police are continuing to investigate the incident.