ROCKLAND — Multiple state and local agencies began searching around noon in Rockland Harbor Sunday afternoon for a diver who was working underwater on the motor yacht TATS, anchored off Tilson Avenue. The 71-year-old diver, from South Bristol, had been missing since 10 this morning, and was found by a State Police diver at 3:15 p.m. in the water underneath the yacht.

James Stormes was an experienced diver who was hired to do some work on the bottom of the yacht, according to Maine Marine Patrol Sgt. Marlowe Sonksen. He was not a member of the TATS crew.

Rockland Police, Coast Guard and Maritime Marine Patrol units were all searching for Stormes Sunday afternoon, with divers from Marine Patrol and Maine State Police in the water off the dock adjacent to U.S. Coast Guard Station Rockland.

As of Sunday night, Sonksen said the cause of Stormes’ death was unknown. An autopsy will be peformed by the State Medical Examiner’s Office, which will help determine the cause of death. Sonksen said no foul play was detected. 

Sonksen said Stormes has a wife who lives in Washington, D. C., and a son who resides in Philidelphia.

According to CharterWorld.com, the 131-foot long super yacht TATS (formerly Loretta Anne IV, also Allogante) is registered in George Town, Cayman Islands, in the British West Indies.

Related story with more photos:

• Search underway for diver missing in Rockland Harbor

Ron Hawkes can be reached at sports@penbaypilot.com.