Echoes of the Sea: The Vanishing of Port Clyde Fisherman Gary Thorbjornson

Background and Community Roots

Gary Edward “Hoppa” Thorbjornson was born on November 15, 1963, in Rockland, Maine, and grew up in Rockland and St. George, graduating from Georges Valley High School in 1982. After pursuing athletics like basketball in high school, Gary transitioned into a career on the water, spending 26 years as a commercial fisherman – first as a deckhand on vessels like the FV High Chapparal and FV Sea Trek, eventually captaining his own boats, FV Sirius and FV Erika Lynn, the latter restored and moored in Port Clyde.

The Fateful Journey and Disappearance

On July 13, 2005, the day the Sirius set sail from Port Clyde, Gary, then 41, embarked on what would become his final voyage. Out at Newfound Ground—approximately 25 miles off Matinicus Island—the Sirius encountered perilous conditions and sank. Two crew members, including Gary’s son, survived and were rescued, but Gary was never seen exiting the vessel. His body was never recovered, and despite search efforts by Maine Marine Patrol and others, no trace was found....Read More

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