York, Maine — Authorities have suspended an active search for an elderly Massachusetts boater after his unoccupied vessel was discovered crashed along the shoreline near Freeman Street in York, Maine.
The missing man has been identified as Chester Benjamin Wiggins, 84, of Bedford, Massachusetts. Wiggins was last seen Tuesday evening when he departed Cape Neddick Harbor in a blue, 17-foot boat at about 6 p.m., York police said.
Local, state and federal crews conducted an overnight search after Wiggins’ boat was found unoccupied, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Teams searched through the night, and a helicopter joined the effort at dawn on Wednesday and continued operations into Thursday.
Search suspended after evaluation
The Coast Guard announced it suspended its active search for Wiggins at approximately 9:45 a.m. Thursday, saying the decision followed new information and a careful assessment of search efforts, environmental conditions and survivability factors.
"The decision to suspend a search is never easy, and it is made only after careful consideration of all available information," Capt. Matt Baker, commander of Coast Guard Sector Northern New England, said in a statement.
Despite the suspension of active search operations, police and other officials continue to appeal to the public for any information that could assist investigators.
What officials say and what they need
York police described Wiggins physically and noted what he was wearing when last seen: approximately 5-foot-10, about 220 pounds, with blue eyes and gray hair. He was reportedly wearing a blue flannel shirt, tan shorts and low-cut boots.
Law enforcement urged anyone who may have seen Wiggins since Tuesday evening, anyone who observed him leaving the harbor, or anyone who noticed anything unusual in the area Tuesday evening to come forward. Officials also asked owners of homes or businesses with security cameras to review footage from Tuesday evening for any potentially relevant images.
- Last seen: ~6 p.m. Tuesday leaving Cape Neddick Harbor
- Boat discovered: crashed and unoccupied near Freeman Street, York
- Search suspended: ~9:45 a.m. Thursday by U.S. Coast Guard
How to report information
Authorities provided two contact numbers for anyone with information:
| Agency | Phone |
|---|---|
| Maine State Police Dispatch | 207-624-7076 |
| York Police Department Dispatch | 207-363-4444 |
York police emphasized, “Even if you are unsure whether your information is important, please contact law enforcement,” urging members of the public not to dismiss details they might think are insignificant.
The circumstances that led to Wiggins’ disappearance have not been released beyond the timeline of his last known departure and the later discovery of his boat. Officials have not provided additional updates on whether any personal flotation devices or other items were found aboard the craft.
Residents and mariners in coastal New England are frequently reminded to take precautions when venturing onto the water, particularly at night or in solitary trips. Those precautions include filing a float plan with a friend or family member, carrying appropriate safety gear and ensuring marine radios and phones are charged and accessible. Authorities say public tips often prove critical in missing-person investigations and can prompt renewed search activity or new lines of inquiry.
This case remains open, and investigators continue to review any leads. Anyone with possible information about Wiggins’ movements Tuesday evening or images from security cameras in the area is asked to contact the Maine State Police Dispatch at 207-624-7076 or the York Police Department Dispatch at 207-363-4444.
Andre Okonkwo, State Correspondent, WE NEWS
