PORTLAND — Police believe a body found in Casco Bay on Saturday is a Saco man who disappeared early New Year’s Day after a night of celebrating in the Old Port.

James “Jim” Dyer, 23, was last seen at 1:45 a.m. Jan. 1 outside The Pearl nightclub. He was reported missing by his family later that day after he didn’t meet up with friends to ride home as planned. Several days of searching, including sending recovery divers into the bay, produced no results.

More than a month and a half later, a dead body was seen in the water near DiMillo’s Marina at Portland’s waterfront around 9 a.m. Saturday, said Portland police. The body was recovered and tentatively identified as Dyer.

The body was transported to the chief medical examiner’s office to determine the cause of death and to make a formal identification, according to police.

Dyer grew up in Old Orchard Beach and played in the school band. Friends and family have described him as a kind, gregarious person with a good heart.

In a phone interview Saturday evening, his mother expressed both grief and closure that her son appeared to have been found.

“There doesn’t appear to be any foul play,” said Amy Dyer of Old Orchard Beach. “That gives our hearts some peace.”

Dyer described her son as having an incredible wit and a sense of humor.

“He didn’t have an enemy in the world,” she said. “He was the kind of kid who would give you the shirt off his back if you wanted it.”

Dyer said the family was thankful for everyone who helped in the search of her son, and for the amount of support shown by family friends and community members.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].