Portland police suspended the search Friday for a Scarborough man who disappeared more than a week ago.
Police from Portland, South Portland and Falmouth had used sonar and divers to search parts of Portland Harbor for the body of 23-year-old Matthew Foster, who was last seen in the Old Port on June 10.
Police dogs tracked his scent to the water Wednesday, and a cadaver dog indicated that a body was in the water in that area.
Divers had been searching for his remains ever since. Friday was the third day of search operations.
“The search area presented some difficult and often dangerous conditions,” said police Lt. James Sweatt in a news release Friday. “While it is possible that Matthew is in the harbor, we are confident that the area of highest probability has been thoroughly searched.”
Sweatt said that if police receive new information on Foster’s whereabouts, the search will resume. The investigation remains open and police will continue to retrace his movements.
“Our thoughts are with Matthew’s family during this difficult time,” the release said. “They have remained close to the search area and continue to support the investigation.”
Maine game wardens, Maine Marine Patrol officers and police divers spent more than 10 hours searching Thursday.
Foster was last seen at the Oasis nightclub on Wharf Street. He failed to meet up with friends later that night, and relatives have not heard from him since.
Police have not elaborated on what they believe Foster was doing on the wharf or why he was there.
Foster was an employee of C.B.S. Lobster and Bait, an employee said. He had worked there for about two years.
Staff Writer Matt Byrne contributed to this report.
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