FALMOUTH, Maine — Maine Marine Patrol is investigating the suspected theft of aquaculture equipment and thousands of oysters from a site near The Brothers Islands in Casco Bay.

Authorities said Michael Scafuro of Portland reported the gear and oysters missing after checking the site on Nov. 22. Scafuro told investigators that 14 aquaculture cages and about 40,000 oysters were gone. The oysters were reportedly ready for sale, and the total loss is estimated at nearly $20,000.

Marine Patrol officers searched the area to see if the equipment had come loose, but the cages were not recovered. Investigators found the ropes, anchors, and buoys still in place, but the cages and oysters had vanished.

“This is a devastating situation for a small businessman like Mr. Scafuro, especially as we head

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