Citing dangerous conditions, the Maine Marine Patrol temporarily halted its search late this afternoon for the body of Kittery lobsterman Christopher Tobey. Tobey is presumed drowned after his boat capsized near the Isle of Shoals on Sunday.

Sgt. Rick LaFlamme, of the Maine Marine Patrol, said 11 Maine State Police and marine patrol divers searched the area around Duck Island, near where Tobey's boat, Sav-A-Buc, capsized.

Sea conditions became too dangerous for divers to continue this afternoon, LaFlamme said. Authorities will resume air searches on Friday and continue through the weekend, he said.

In a statement, Tobey's sister, Debra Fredette, said the family continues "to take comfort in hearing of the impact that (Tobey's) giant heart has had on fellow fishermen, neighbors and those around him."

Tobey left early Sunday with two crew members, his 16-year-old son and 21-year-old Robert Blackburn of Sanford. While off Duck Island, the boat was hit by a large wave and capsized.

The Coast Guard rescued Tobey's son and Blackburn on Monday.

The family created a fund to assist the children of Christopher Tobey. Donations can be made in person at any branch of the Northeast Credit Union, c/o Tobey Family Fund - Acct: 56466806, or mailed to the Northeast Credit Union, PO Box 1240, Portsmouth, N.H., 03802.