Maine Lobsterman's Boat Sunk 3 Times: Authorities

ST. GEORGE, ME — Maine authorities are hunting for a person or persons obsessed with sinking a lobsterman's boat.

The 35-foot fishing vessel "Liberty," owned by Anthony Hooper, has been sunk three times in the last two months in Port Clyde, according to Maine Marine Patrol. The most recent sinking happened Friday night. The first was in August and the second was on Sept. 28.

Maine Operation Game Thief, a nonprofit that usually helps Maine authorities catch poachers, is offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the sinkings.

“The commercial lobstering community has a deep rooted tradition in Maine, and this will simply not stand," said Greg Sirpis, the group's chairman, in a statement.

“We’re grateful for the tremendous support of the Operation Game Thief program,” said Marine Patrol Major Rene Cloutier in a statement. “While their focus is traditionally on poaching violations, their partnership with the Marine Patrol will help us pursue serious violations that undermine the ability of hard working fishermen to make a living on the water.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Maine Operation Game Thief at 1-800-253-7887. Maine Marine Patrol can also be reached at 207-624-6581.

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