PORTLAND — The Maine Marine Patrol says a missing water taxi has been discovered on a Kennebunk beach but that the operator remains missing.

Officials say the 24-foot Portland Express Water Taxi boat was found Friday partially buried in the sand on Parsons Beach.

Officials say video surveillance cameras showed Adam Patterson of Cape Elizabeth departing from Portland at 3:25 a.m. Wednesday. A search for Patterson and the boat had been suspended Thursday at nightfall.

Officials say the search for Patterson has resumed but it’s now considered a recovery effort. A Maine Marine Patrol airplane and a Coast Guard helicopter were searching Friday.