NORTH HAVEN — A passenger on the schooner Heritage was removed from the vessel by law enforcement this morning, Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Pulpit Harbor. Due to the behavior, Knox County Sheriff's Office deputies have since initiated paperwork requesting usage of Maine's Yellow Flag law.

The male passenger, approximately 77 years old, began expressing homicidal and suicidal ideations prior to 5:08 a.m. when a report of his behavior alerted to the captain, who then contacted Knox Regional Communications Center. The 911 dispatch center was subsequently notified that the man had a weapon, and then later notified that the gun had been taken from him and secured.

Knox County Sheriff's Office deputies, along with Marine Patrol, travelled to the scene from the mainland while North Haven Ambulance waited at the Town Dock for law enforcement permission to enter the scene. After assessing the man on the vessel, deputies decided to take him into protective custody and transported him to the main land, and to the hospital themselves. The vessel and its passengers were allowed to return to Rockland on their own, where interviews with everyone on board would take place (which was after the Sheriff's Office provided its 9:35 a.m. news release.)

The initial concern was to get this man either to the hospital or into custody so he can get some help, Sheriff Polky told PenBayPilot.com this morning.

Upon arrival, deputies determined that the male passenger was experiencing severe confusion and expressed paranoid thoughts.

The individual is currently undergoing a medical and mental health evaluation, while deputies complete the Maine Yellow Flag process.

"This was a highly volatile initial report, but thanks to the swift, calm, and professional actions of the captain, crew, and bystanders, the situation was safely contained before our arrival," said Sheriff Polky. "We are incredibly grateful for the seamless coordination with our dispatchers and mutual aid partners to ensure a safe outcome for everyone on board."

The incident remains under investigation at this time. 

The Knox County Sheriff's Office wishes to extend its gratitude to our mutual aid partners who provided scene management, technical expertise, and response logistics:

● Knox Regional Communications Center (Scene Management & Response Logistics)

 ● Maine Marine Patrol (Specialized Maritime Logistics)

● U.S. Coast Guard (Specialized Maritime Logistics)

● North Haven Ambulance (Medical Assistance Standby)

● Maine State Police Tactical Team (Specialized Tactical Expertise Standby)