Milbridge - At approximately 11 a.m. today, the body of Alton Wallace, 51 of Milbridge was recovered by Maine Marine Patrol Officers from the western shore of Foster Island in Narraguagus Bay. Mr. Wallace had been missing since Sunday, May 18 when he failed to return from harvesting clams, prompting a search of the Bay and surrounding islands.
Wallace's body was located today by a fisherman near the high-water line. The fisherman reported it to Marine Patrol Officers who quickly responded and were able to confirm his identity by his driver's license, which was found in his pocket.
The search for Wallace has continued since he was reported missing, initially involving members of US Coast Guard, the Maine Warden Service, the Maine Forest Service, the Underwater Recovery Team, local fishermen, and community members.
The Marine Patrol has continued the search effort on the water and by plane, focusing on the area near Fickett Point at the mouth of the Narraguagus River where responders were able to determine Mr. Wallace’s last cell phone ping had occurred. Foster Island is approximately one mile to the east of Fickett Point.
Mr. Wallace's body has been transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for an autopsy.