A Maine fisherman's life lived large ends in a sea of questions

A friend who was with him on his last night talks about Billy McIntire's ill-fated swim, and the 'toughest decision of my life.'

http://www.pressherald.com/news/a-maine-fishermans-life-lived-large-ends-in-a-sea-of-questions-_2013-09-08.html

OGUNQUIT – In the life and times of Billy McIntire, it was hardly an unusual sight.

Fisherman Billy McIntire, shown at work in 2008, is presumed drowned after diving off his lobster boat late in the evening of Aug. 22, investigators say. His body has yet to be recovered.

Contributed photo

Perkins Cove lobsterman Rick Knight, captain of the Michelle D, waits to unload his catch at the wharf late last month. Billy McIntire “was a hell of a nice guy,” Knight said of Perkins Cove’s unofficial “mayor,” who was lost at sea and presumed drowned on Aug. 22. McIntire was “always very popular and nice to be around,” Knight said.

Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

Before midnight under a nearly full moon, McIntire -- a consummate hard worker with a jovial reputation and a penchant for having a good time -- was heading for his boat, three women and a friend in tow.

In the days since his death that night, the few witnesses who know firsthand how McIntire was lost have largely remained silent or have all but left town, only fueling rumors and speculation about his final moments.

"None of this should have happened," said Tim Levesque, who set off with McIntire that night, along with the three women, whom they had met at a bar. After a night of drinks and dancing, they headed to the first boat McIntire had ever owned, the Clover.

The night ended with McIntire lost at sea. He remains missing and presumably drowned.

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