A lobsterman’s body was found in a Down East bay Wednesday morning after he was reported missing the night prior.

Thomas West, 63, of Steuben, was found dead in Dyer Bay near his 35-foot lobster boat, according to a news release from the Maine Marine Patrol.

Local fishermen reported West missing Tuesday evening after his boat, named Aces and Eights, was found running with no one aboard. Marine Patrol searched for him through the night but suspended the search around 2:30 a.m. because of low visibility, according to the release.

His family found his body around 6 a.m. near the boat, which was moored near a wharf on Merritt Road in Steuben.

In a statement Thursday, the Maine Lobstermen’s Association said “our thoughts are with Mr. West’s family, friends, and the community of Steuben during this difficult time.”

“The loss of a lobsterman is felt far beyond a single harbor,” the group said. “It impacts our entire lobstering community. We are close-knit, hardworking families who look out for one another, and when one is lost, we all feel it.”

Authorities say West’s body will be taken to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for an autopsy.

Staff Writer Katie Langley contributed to this story.