Condolences to his family. Very sad.
I have been trying to track this sad story since Sunday. This incident happened on Saturday. We have been paddling in the area on Saturday (about 10 - 15 miles from the reported incident).
The forecast (If I remember correctly) was for 2 ft seas in the morning and 1ft seas in the afternoon with wind coming out of the southwest. There was no mention of winds over 10 knots in the forecast.
When we arrived in the morning, the condition appeared to be about 1ft seas but the winds were more from south, even south easterly at times. When we got on the water the water got slightly livelier as we rounded some points. We enjoyed paddling with the wind in our back for most of the journey from Kennebunkport to Cape Porpoise.
We took a break at Cape Island. After 1PM we were ready to head back. Woticed the winds increasing and the seas producing bumpier fetch. The paddle back gave us estimated 15 knot winds from the south with gusts around 20 knots. The ocean was definitely alive, especially after we rounded Walker's point. These conditions were in contradiction in my perceived forecast of 1ft seas in the afternoon.
The unfortunate paddler in this incident could have encountered water conditions beyond forecast but nevertheless, I think a wet suit choice of garment for solo paddling in April is questionable. On the other hand the incident might have involved a medical condition and it is entirely possible it was not related to conditions.
It is a little eerie. Last week I have been contemplating paddling to Bluff Island and the nature preserve on Stratton Island to do some bird watching.