Press Releases

Contact: Deborah Turcotte, Spokesperson
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State Street
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Telephone: work (207) 287-6008 cell (207) 592-1164

Fax: (207) 287-6395

July 1, 2008

Search for Missing Swimmer Suspended for the Night

Hiram – The Maine Warden Service has suspended for the night its search for a missing swimmer on the Saco River.

Stephen Hawks, 33, of Baldwin, was swimming with his wife at approximately 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Saco River below the Hiram Dam when he attempted to swim across the river, according to Maine Warden Service Sgt. Tim Place.

"Apparently he made it to the middle of the river when an issue arose," according to Maine Warden Service Lt. Adam Gormely. "The current may have been too strong for him."

Mrs. Hawk safely made it out of the river.

The Maine Warden Service suspended its search at approximately 9 p.m. because of darkness, Place said.

The search will resume at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Wardens and six MWS divers will use airboats, watercraft and aircraft in its efforts to locate Mr. Hawk.

The Maine Warden Service on Tuesday was assisted by the York County and Oxford County Sheriff's departments, and local public safety personnel from Harrison, Fryeburg and Denmark.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Press Releases