The U.S. Coast Guard is searching the area where an abandoned rowboat was found Sunday morning about 50 miles southeast of Cape Elizabeth.

The boat was spotted Sunday morning by a crew operating National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration airplane.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Kurt Hein said a Coast Guard plane was dispatched at about 10 a.m. to search the area for any signs of distress, such as floating debris.

“We want to get a better look,” said Hein.

Staff Writer Beth Quimby can be reached at 791-6363 or at:

bquimby@pressherald.com