August 6, 2009 Lobster turf war: Boats intentionally sunk Play video

(NECN/WMTW: Matinicus Island, Maine) - The turf war between Maine lobstermen has become nastier.

Officials said two lobster boats were intentionally sunk in Owls Head amid growing tensions among lobstermen. This, two weeks after a lobster turf war escalated into a shooting on Matinicus Island.

Marine Patrol found two boats submerged and a third filled with water Wednesday in Owls Head.

All three boats were hauled back to shore.

Marine Patrol officials do not believe the shootings and boat sinking are related.

"There are certain few that don't want you out there," Keith Simmonds said. "They figure if they hurt you bad enough, you'll get out of it."

Low lobster prices are causing increased competition and tensions on the Maine coast.

Marine Patrol Col. Joe Fessenden said the half-sunk boat was brought to shore, where it was discovered that a pipe had been cut inside the boat, allowing water to fill the boat's bilge.

Material from The Associated Press used in this report. Video courtesy of WMTW.