An 18-year-old New England lobsterman remains missing after the U.S. Coast Guard spent the majority of this weekend searching for the teen off the coast of Maine.
The Coast Guard said Sunday that it had suspended its search for the missing mariner following 40 hours of searching after Tylar Michaud's fishing vessel "Top Gun" was found empty near Jonesport on Friday.
Fog hampered search crews efforts on Saturday.
The search was conducted by water and air, and included assets from the Maine National Guard and Forest Rangers, as well as private pilots. It was suspended Sunday pending further developments.
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“The decision to suspend a search and rescue case is one of the most difficult decisions I must make. Our thoughts remain with Tylar’s family, friends, and loved ones” Commander Megan Drewniak, Deputy Sector Commander of Sector Northern New England, said in a release, NBC affiliate News Center Maine reported.
Michaud, of Steuben, was reported missing around 5 p.m. Friday after he didn't return home from a day of hauling and setting his traps near Petit Manan Point, News Center Maine said.
Local
Maine Marine Patrol said a local fisherman found Michaud's empty boat Friday night in the same area. The weekend's search was focused on the waters and shoreline near where Michaud's boat was found and included more than two dozen local fisherman, News Center Maine reported.
"The first night when we got the call, there was probably 25 fisherman that went out and hauled through his gear to figure out where he may have been," Maine Marine Patrol Sgt. Sean Dow said, adding that it's been amazing to see the community outreach and support.
News Center Maine reports, according to Dow, that local fisherman checked Michaud's traps to help determine his last known location, and they checked cell phone records to help narrow the search area to around Petit Manan Bar, near Petit Manan Point off the coast of Steuben.
Michaud graduated this year from Sumner Memorial High School in Sullivan, according to a letter from the school's principal that was posted to Facebook on Sunday.
"Tylar Michaud, a recent 2023 graduate of Sumner Memorial High School went missing while pursuing his passion as a dedicated lobsterman," Charles M. Sumner Learning Campus principal Jackson Green wrote, adding that there had been an extensive maritime search for the former student. "Effective today the United States Coast Guard and Maine Marine Patrol Service have switched their operations from a rescue to a recovery mission. We will all remain hopeful that somehow / someway Tylar may still be found alive."
The principal went on to share Michaud's many great qualities.
"During his time at Sumner, Tylar touched the lives of many within our close-knit community. He was not only an exceptional student but also a compassionate, kind-hearted individual who always went above and beyond to lend a helping hand to others," Green said. "His smile and unwavering positivity brightened the lives of everyone he encountered, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of teachers, staff, and fellow students alike."
Green said as everyone struggles to navigate Michaud's disappearance, it is essential that the community comes together to offer each other support during this difficult time, especially the Michaud/Kennedy family.
He reassured students and their families that school officials are there to provide any assistance and comfort anyone needs in the wake of this tragedy. Mental health experts will be available for students, staff, and community members at the Sumner Learning Campus on Monday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm. There will be opportunities for one-on-one sessions and group discussions.
"At Sumner, we are committed to standing by one another, helping those who are struggling, and finding ways to cherish the memories of our beloved Tylar," Green wrote. "Together, we will navigate through this painful time and emerge stronger, knowing that our community stands united in grief and love."
"The Michaud/Kennedy remains in our thoughts and prayers," he added.
