last seen about 6 p.m. Thursday at the tail end of the storm, when he went out on his 14-foot skiff to go clamming. His father reported him missing shortly before 11 p.m.

Benner’s skiff was located about an hour later a few hundred yards from the causeway at Clark Island, located across the cove from the dock where Benner left. Other equipment from Benner’s skiff, including an anchor and clam gear, were found in the middle of Long Cove at low tide the next day, the Marine Patrol said.

In addition to the Marine Patrol, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office had been involved in the search. Fire departments from St. George, South Thomaston and Thomaston also participated in searching the cove and shoreline. The Coast Guard had boats fromGaul School in Union, Appleton Village School, and Camden Hills Regional High School.

He started clamming and lobstering as a young boy with his father, Thurin, Moose said. He also spent several years fishing offshore out of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

“He loves his family more than life and is incredibly loyal in every sense of the word. He is quiet and silly and he has a heart of pure gold,” she said.

Benner leaves his parents, three sisters and five nieces and nephews. He also had been in a longtime relationship, Moose said.

Search efforts were made more difficult by the extreme cold. Temperatures were below zero during the weekend, with a brisk wind.

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