Gardener1850
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[h=1]Family of missing 80-year-old sailor from Massachusetts hoping for a miracle[/h]
Pratt set sail Aug. 1 from his hometown of Cohasset, Massachusetts, on Bostons South Shore, intending to make a yearly trip up the New England coast to Maine. His 33-foot sailboat, the Tarrier, was found Thursday evening on Richmond Island off the coast of Cape Elizabeth. The boats sails were up, its dinghy was still attached and it appeared to be undamaged. The cabin door was open, but Pratt was nowhere to be found.
The Coast Guard, aided by the Maine Marine Patrol and other agencies, searched through the night, covering more than 300 nautical square miles in 17 hours before ending the search Friday afternoon. The marine patrol continued to search through the weekend, then scaled back its efforts Monday afternoon to periodic flyovers.
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/08/07/family-releases-photos-of-missing-boater-still-hold-out-hope/Family members described Pratt as an experienced sailor who developed a love for the ocean as a boy growing up on Cohasset Harbor. Later, he came to know Maine waters well.
He made this trip every year for the last 40 years, said Earl, who lives next door to her brother. Hed take a whole month. His destination was usually the Penobscot River.
Family members said Pratt stayed in relatively good health for his age, watched what he ate and walked or biked several miles a day. He was in better shape than many 60-year-olds, Earl said. So he continued his solo sailing trips.