Body of fisherman missing for weeks found off Deer Isle

DEER ISLE – The body of a local fisherman, missing since late last month, was recovered last week not far from where his boat was found.

According to Lt. Alan Talbot of the Maine Marine Patrol, another fisherman discovered the body of Byron Gross, 65, of Little Deer Isle on Nov. 21 on the shores of Weeds Point, not far from the causeway between Little Deer and Deer Isle.

Gross had been hauling lobster traps near Weeds Point when he disappeared Oct. 27. His boat, the Ruby G, was discovered that afternoon on the shore with the motor in gear and running.

Although the active search for Gross had ended, the Downeast Emergency Medicine Institute has been conducting occasional flyovers in the area, and the Marine Patrol and local fishermen had searched the area as recently as last weekend.

Gross’ death has been ruled a drowning, Talbot said.