The Maine Warden Service is urging snowmobilers, ice fishermen, and anyone else accessing waterways to use extreme caution after at least nine people reported breaking through thin ice on snowmobiles in the last 36-hours in all corners of the state.
Rain and warm temperatures late last week deteriorated ice conditions significantly, according to Warden Cpl. John MacDonald, and the return of colder temperatures should not cause outdoor enthusiasts to stop checking ice conditions on lakes and ponds before going out.
“Those not familiar with ice conditions are encouraged to contact local snowmobile clubs for ice safety information,” MacDonald said in a press release issued Friday. “Make a plan in the event you break through thin ice. Invest in ice pics and always carry them with you in the same location. Tell someone where you are planning to ride, ride with a partner and be particularly careful when riding at night or in unfamiliar areas.”
Among the incidents this week, according to the warden service:
On Wednesday, Eli Strauss, 43, was dragging his daughter and her friend, both 12, on an inner-tube behind his snowmobile on the frozen surface of Mount Desert Island’s Long Pond when his vehicle plunged through the surface. The three were later rescued by the warden service and treated for hypothermia.
On Thursday evening, two men broke through thin ice and nearly drowned on Long Lake in Belgrade, according to the warden service. Caleb Moore, 18, of Belgrade was operating a Ski-Doo snowmobile with 17-year-old passenger Joshua Stevens, also of Belgrade when the two males went through the ice into Belgrade Stream at the outlet of Long Pond. Moore and Stevens were both transported to Maine General Medical Center in Augusta where they are in stable condition.
At around noon Thursday, a Denmark man and his 5-year-old daughter encountered a flooded portion of a snowmobile trail in that town. Stephen Glasgow, 44, and his daughter became submerged in icy water but escaped and managed to call for help; both showing signs of hypothermia when a game warden located them. They were transported to Bridgton Hospital for treatment.
Two Guilford men broke through thin ice on Manhanock Pond in Sangerville late Wednesday evening. Brian Gaw, 52, and Jason Goggin, 47, were operating separate snowmobiles and both struggled to get to shore when their snowmobiles became submerged. Once at shore, the men were able to phone family for help.
