PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – U.S. Coast Guard crews are actively searching for a possible missing mariner near White Island in Portsmouth Harbor.
Coast Guard watchstanders from Sector Northern New England’s command center received a report of an abandoned 18-20 foot motor vessel anchored near Kitts Rocks at approximately 2 p.m.
A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Coast Guard Station Portsmouth responded to find the vessel with no mariners aboard. The fishing vessel that gave the initial report found signs that the vessel was previously occupied. Boat keys, wetsuits and a license were found.
The vessel is registered to the person whose licensed was found. The suspected missing person is a Mr. Robert Schultze. According to the identification, Schultze is a 63-year old, 6-foot 6-inches tall male, who resides in Shapleigh, Maine.
Anyone with information on Schultzes whereabouts is requested to call Sector Northern New England at (207) 767-0302.
Crews from Station Portsmouth Harbor are actively searching the area.
The Coast Guard Cutter Moray, an 87-foot patrol boat moored in Portland, Maine, is en-route to the area to aid in the search.
An HH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter crew, from Air Station Cape Cod, searched the area briefly before having to return to base due to low visibility and weather conditions.
Crews are also working with local agencies to search marinas, boat launch ramps and his current address.
