Driver of U-Haul That Broke Through Echo Lake Ice This Morning Is Ok
MOUNT DESERT—Early Saturday morning, emergency personnel responded to a report of a 10-foot U-Haul truck in Echo Lake. The driver motored the U-Haul approximately 400 yards over the lake’s ice before the truck broke through.
Southwest Harbor Fire Department assisted Mount Desert Fire in the rescue and posted about it on social media.
The 75-year-old driver of the truck was able to escape, but was wet and cold. Firefighters went onto the ice via foot and carried the driver to shore. The U-Haul, allegedly went onto the pond at Ike’s Point, continued further onto the lake and broke through approximately 5 inches of ice.
The driver crawled out of the truck and onto the top of the truck. From there, he called 911.
The man was taken to MDI Hospital where he was treated and then released, according to MDIFW Communications Director Mark Latti.
“The incident happened at approximately 4:45 a.m. today,” Latti said. “It appears the elderly man was confused and was not aware of where he was.”
Latti said it appears that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or anything else.
The U-Haul eventually submerged.
“A marine salvage company is working to remove the truck from the lake,” Latti said.
Echo Lake is a fresh water lake on the western side of Mount Desert Island that is usually accessed via Route 102. The lake borders Acadia National Park and rests between Southwest Harbor and Somesville. According to the National Park Service, “Five great ponds border the park: Echo Lake, Hodgdon Pond, Seal Cove Pond, Long Pond on Mount Desert Island and Long Pond on Isle au Haut.”
Ike’s Point is a paved boat ramp area on the lake. It’s usually used for launching kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes.
According to a Facebook post from the Tremont Fire Department, “Fifteen or so years back Tremont Fire, SWHFD, MDFD and BHFD recognized the need to increase training for Ice/cold water and open water rescues. The addition of specialized training, rescue equipment and rescue boats have repeatedly shown to be beneficial. MDI area fire/ EMS emergency responders, LEO and dispatchers each play a vital role in several unique rescues and searches each year.”
Additional resources that train and respond on specialized rescues like these are the Acadia National Park Service, MDISAR, Maine Game Wardens, and Maine Forestry.
“If you or someone you know has considered becoming an emergency volunteer and may be interested in being part of a team trained to respond for ice/cold water and water rescues, reach out to one of our local department today,” Tremont wrote.
Updated at 3 p.m., January 18 to include information from the Tremont Fire Department.
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