A search is underway for the captain of a Portland-based water taxi who has not been seen since Wednesday afternoon.

The Maine Marine Patrol, the Coast Guard and the Portland Police Department are looking for the 24-foot boat, which is owned by Portland Express Water Taxi, and Adam Patterson, who was believed to be on the boat.

Police Lt. Robert Ridge said the company’s owner, Gene Willard, reported the boat and Patterson missing at 2 p.m. Ridge said Patterson, has been living on the boat.

“We’re treating it as a missing persons case,” Ridge said, and no one else was believed to be on the boat.

Willard, who works as a captain for the Casco Bay Lines ferry service, could not be reached for comment late Wednesday night.

According to Portland Express Water Taxi’s website, Willard began operating the service in 2003. Water taxis typically transport no more than six passengers, serving the islands of Casco Bay. They can also be chartered for tours and special events.

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A dispatcher for the Coast Guard said authorities are searching for a vessel that is painted white and has the words “water taxi” on the side.

The Maine Marine Patrol is in charge of the search, but its spokesman could not be reached Wednesday night.

Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at:

dhoey@pressherald.com


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