Coast Guard suspends search for missing Maine boater

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing Maine boater.

Edward Berke, 30, fell overboard from a recreational boat about 8 p.m. Thursday near Clapboard Island in Casco Bay, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Local, state and federal officials searched 350 square miles of water for Berke, but could not locate him.

The search was called off mid-day Friday.

“We offer our sincere condolences to the family,” said Capt. Matt Baker, commander of Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. “We conduct every search and rescue mission with the hope of returning missing people to safety, which is why suspending any search and rescue effort is one of the hardest decisions I make. We are grateful for the dedication of the state and local agencies who contributed to this search effort.”