BAR HARBOR, Maine — A multiagency response team successfully recovered the body of a 24-year-old man from the ocean near Bar Island within Acadia National Park on Thursday morning, January 29. The recovery concluded an intensive overnight search operation that mobilized various federal, state, and local emergency services across Mount Desert Island.
The sequence of events began the previous day, Wednesday, January 28. At approximately 5 p.m. that afternoon, the Bar Harbor Police Department issued a report concerning an individual believed to be stranded on Bar Island. This initial report prompted an immediate, large-scale response from multiple agencies.
National Park Service rangers, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Maine Warden Service, Maine Marine Patrol, and the Maine Association of Search and Rescue (MASAR) swiftly responded to the initial call. These diverse agencies coordinated their efforts to locate the individual. Despite their prompt arrival and comprehensive initial efforts, responders were unable to locate the individual in question during the initial Wednesday evening search.
As night fell over the island, federal, state, and local first responders continued the search operation. Utilizing K-9 resources, teams combed the area, working through the hours of darkness to find the missing person. The sustained nature of the search, particularly through the night, highlighted the coordinated efforts from all involved personnel.
Search operations were then re-mobilized and resumed with renewed vigor on Thursday morning, January 29. The National Park Service continued its central role, working alongside the Maine Marine Patrol, the Maine State Police, and the Maine Warden Service. These agencies consolidated their resources and expertise to continue the comprehensive search.
It was during these renewed efforts late Thursday morning that the individual was located. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old man was found deceased in the ocean near Bar Island. The discovery marked the conclusion of the search phase and initiated the next steps in the official investigation.
The National Park Service has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation into the fatality. As per established protocol, authorities have indicated that no further information regarding the incident or the identity of the deceased will be made available to the public until 72 hours after the notification of the next-of-kin has been completed. This standard practice ensures appropriate time for family notifications before details are publicly released.
