Bremen, Maine, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Authorities have recovered the body of Mark Metzger, a 74-year-old man from Waltham, Massachusetts, who went missing while sailing off Bremen Long Island. Friends alerted authorities after he could not be found on his 19-foot sailboat. A search and rescue operation was initiated, leading to the discovery of his body by good Samaritans. The investigation has been classified as a death investigation, with the body scheduled for examination by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta.
Bremen, Maine
Body of Missing Massachusetts Man Recovered Off Maine Coast; Death Investigation Underway
A body recovered from the waters off Maine has been identified as Mark Metzger, a 74-year-old man from Waltham, Massachusetts, and a death investigation is underway. The body was found on Sunday near Long Island Ledges after Metzger was reported missing from his 19-foot sailboat that had been anchored on the western side of Bremen Long Island.
Friends reported Metzger missing at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Sunday after he could not be located on the anchored sailboat. A coordinated search was launched involving multiple agencies, and good Samaritans located a body in the water at about 1:30 p.m. the same day. The U.S. Coast Guard recovered the body and transported it to shore.
Key details
- Victim: Mark Metzger, 74, of Waltham, Massachusetts.
- Location of recovery: Near Long Island Ledges, waters off Bremen Long Island, Maine.
- Time reported missing: Friends reported him unaccounted for at about 11:40 a.m. Sunday.
- Recovery time: Body located by good Samaritans at roughly 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
- Vessel: 19-foot sailboat anchored on the western side of Bremen Long Island.
- Next steps: Body taken to a local funeral home for processing, with plans to transfer to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for examination.
Agencies involved and roles
The search and recovery operation included local and state responders working with federal agencies. Participating entities included the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Maine Marine Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Maine Forest Service, and local emergency responders. The U.S. Coast Guard carried out the recovery of the body from the water and transported it to shore for further processing.
Ongoing investigation and next steps
Authorities have characterized the matter as a death investigation. Following initial processing at a local funeral home, officials plan to transfer the body to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for a forensic examination to determine cause and manner of death. Investigators from the involved agencies will continue to collect information from the scene, review vessel records, and interview witnesses as part of the inquiry.
Public safety and context
Incidents of persons going missing from small recreational vessels can require rapid, coordinated response across multiple jurisdictions and agencies, particularly in coastal and island areas. The recovery of a body by good Samaritans highlights the role that nearby boaters and residents can play in emergency situations, while also underscoring the hazards present in marine environments.
Status
This is an active and developing investigation. Authorities have confirmed identification and the recovery process, and further details will be released as they become available following medical examination and investigative work.
FAQ
Who was found?
The deceased has been identified as Mark Metzger, a 74-year-old man from Waltham, Massachusetts.
Where and when was the body found?
The body was located on Sunday near Long Island Ledges, off the coast of Bremen Long Island, Maine. Good Samaritans reported locating the body at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
When was he reported missing?
Friends reported Metzger missing at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Sunday after he was unaccounted for on his 19-foot sailboat.
Which agencies responded?
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Maine Marine Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, Maine Forest Service, and local emergency responders all participated in the search and recovery operation.
What will happen next?
The body was taken to a local funeral home for initial processing and is scheduled to be transferred to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for examination. Authorities describe the matter as a death investigation and will release further information as it becomes available.
Is this investigation ongoing?
Yes. Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and will provide updates as more information is confirmed.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Detail | Time / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Missing reported | Friends reported Metzger unaccounted for on his 19-foot sailboat | About 11:40 a.m., Sunday |
| Location of sailboat | Anchored on western side of Bremen Long Island | Western side, Bremen Long Island |
| Body located | Found near Long Island Ledges by good Samaritans | About 1:30 p.m., Sunday |
| Recovery | U.S. Coast Guard recovered and transported the body to shore | Same day as recovery |
| Processing | Body taken to local funeral home for processing | Immediate post-recovery |
| Medical examination | Planned transfer to Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta | Pending transfer |
| Agencies involved | Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; Maine Marine Patrol; U.S. Coast Guard; Maine Forest Service; local emergency responders | Coordinated response |
| Investigation status | Active death investigation | Ongoing |
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