A Downeast Maine fishing trip turned fatal this week after what has been reported as a rogue wave capsized a small skiff, leaving one fisherman dead and another rescued.

According to reporting from WMTW, the two fishermen departed Beal’s Island Marine around 10 a.m. Monday, heading toward Crumple Island aboard a 17-foot skiff. The vessel was expected to return to shore by midafternoon but never made it back on schedule.

The surviving fisherman told responders that a wave struck the boat, causing it to capsize.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. a crew with the U.S. Coast Guard spotted a person signaling for help from Crumple Island. A nearby vessel was able to reach the shallow area rescuing the fisherman and recovering a second individual who was found unresponsive.  

Medical personnel at the Coast Guard station in Jonesport later confirmed the second fisherman had died. The survivor was treated for hypothermia and released.

Family members were waiting at the station as both fishermen were brought ashore.

The incident remains under investigation by the Maine Marine Patrol and local authorities.