Missing Massachusetts Man's Body Recovered By Divers In Auburn

AUBURN, NH — On Sunday morning at sunrise crews from multiple agencies continued their search for Joseph Moreau, 83, of Methuen, Massachusetts, who went missing Friday at Lake Massabesic.

NH Fish and Game, NH Marine Patrol, and Manchester Watershed Patrol using boats, divers and side scan sonar located the man. Divers from the NH Fish and Game recovered the man and brought his body to shore.

Moreau went fishing in his canoe, and left from Claire's Landing in Auburn. When he didn't return and was overdue his wife notified Auburn police. Crews located his canoe Friday night — which was upright and contained all of his fishing gear. The small motor was in an upright position and appeared to be tangled in fishing line.

Crews initially searched the shore lines and water and suspended the search Saturday morning at sunrise. Saturday, crews from multiple agencies searched using boats and off-road vehicles to search large areas of land. At dusk, the search was suspended again and resumed Sunday morning.

Early Sunday afternoon, the crews located the body of a man in the water who is believed to be Moreau.

NH Marine Patrol said "NH Fish and Game dive team located and recovered Moreau on Lake Massabesic in Auburn. The NH Medical Examiner’s Office responded. The victim was later transported to Concord Hospital for an autopsy scheduled for Monday."

This case remains under investigation. Anyone who may have further information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Marine Patrol Officer Nicholas Haroutunian at 603-293-2037 or by email at Nicholas.haroutunian@dos.nh.gov.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news.