Thomas was last seen by commercial lobster fisherman (captain) Christopher Hutchinson aboard lobster fishing vessel "No Limits." The fishing vessel sunk during an offshore winter storm approximately 12 miles south west of Matinicus Island. Thomas and another crew member, Tyler Sawyer (MP # 42790) aboard the fishing vessel were not able to use emergency survival suits or life raft. Christopher Hutchinson was rescued in the vessels life raft by a United States Coast Guard helicopter. Further search did not result in the location or recovery of remaining crew.