The dramatic video shows the Coast Guard and Maine Marine Patrol overtaking a lobster boat that was traveling in circles. After the boat was brought under control, officials discovered the owner had died.

Jeff Nichols of the Marine Patrol says responders recovered the body of a North Haven lobsterman on Friday who died while at sea. It was around 3:15 when the Marine Patrol received a report of a lobster boat going in circles near Owls Head Light, south of Rockland Harbor. The Legacy was owned and operated by lobsterman Robert Staples, age 78 of North Haven.

A Maine Marine Patrol Protector vessel found the Legacy traveling in circles in 3-4 seas and 20 knot winds. They were met at the scene by members of the U.S. Coast Guard who had confirmed that an unconscious man was on board.

The video shows the difficult conditions the ships encountered while maneuvering alongside the lobster boat but, after several attempts, Specialist Corrie Roberts was able to jump on board the Legacy and gain control of it. Members of the Coast Guard tried to resuscitate Mr. Staples while Specialist Roberts brought the vessel into Rockland Harbor.

They were met by members of the Rockland EMS who also tried life-saving measures, to no avail. The State Medical Examiner determined that Staples died of natural causes.

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