Investigators do not suspect foul play in the death of James Dyer, the 23-year-old Saco man whose body was recovered Saturday from Portland Harbor after he had been missing since New Year’s Day, his mother said.

Amy Dyer said police told her Sunday that her son’s wallet was found on the body, and that there were no obvious signs of foul play, saying it is likely he drowned.

James Dyer

“It’s been a long 50 days, I’ll tell you,” Dyer said. “We’re at peace with it now, at least. It does put our minds to rest.”

Dyer disappeared in the Old Port after leaving a Fore Street bar about 2 a.m. on Jan. 1 with a group of friends. The group went looking for their car, which was parked on the waterfront. Dyer somehow got separated from the group.

Police searched the area, both on land and water. They reviewed video footage that showed Dyer on a sidewalk in the Old Port, but it didn’t show where he went from there.

Divers searched the waters of Portland Harbor for several days after Dyer disappeared, but didn’t find anything. His body was spotted Saturday near DiMillo’s Marina on Commercial Street.

An autopsy was performed Sunday. Positive identification and a determination of the cause of death are still pending DNA and toxicology testing, Dyer said.

Now that her son’s remains have been recovered, she said the family has proceeded with funeral arrangements.

Visiting hours will be held March 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dennett Craig Pate Funeral Home on Main Street in Saco. A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. March 5 at the First Parish Congregational Church in Saco.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to the Old Orchard Beach Athletic Boosters Club.

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