Two deep-sea fishing lovers wonder who snatched the 4-1/2 foot wooden statue of “Salty the Fisherman” from their yard in Lee this weekend.

“I'm never ever going to be able to replace him,” statue owner Maria Monahan said last night. “If those people don't return it, there won't be another Salty. It was a one-of-a-kind.”

Police believe two people stole Salty, who weighs upwards of 150 pounds, some time between Friday evening and Saturday morning, according to Patrolman Eric Millar.

Millar said Salty resembles the Gorton's fisherman, complete with his yellow slicker and blue pants.

“He's got a fishing pole in one hand and his lantern in the other, smoking his pipe,” he said.

Monahan and her husband, Al, purchased Salty last summer from Chichester artist Michael Martineau for $350.

No one stole the heavier concrete mermaid, Isabella, from 65 Pine Knoll Village.

“It's all a big spoof — funny yard ornaments,” she said.

Millar thinks the media attention will make it difficult for the thieves to sell or show people. “No one's going to display it in their yard, so we're hoping they're going to return it,” Millar said.

Monahan was surprised with the calls from reporters.

“He was always very special to me,” Monahan said. “I didn't think he'd be such a big hit with everyone else.”