Press Releases

Contact: Edie Smith, Spokesperson
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State Street
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Media representatives can receive press releases via e-mail.

Telephone: work (207) 592-4348

Fax: (207) 287-6395

October 27, 2009

Four Men Rescued from Moosehead Lake

Augusta, Maine - Four men were rescued from Moosehead Lake this morning after the pontoon boat they were on capsized, dumping them into the rough, choppy waters.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:40 a.m. today near Moody Islands, off the Rockwood and Kineo boat landing. The right pontoon of the 24-foot 1987 Godfrey pontoon boat already was taking on water when a swell came up, swamping the pontoon and causing the boat to capsize.

According to Maine Warden Service Sgt. Bill Chandler, a strong wind was blowing across the lake from the south, causing 5- to 6-foot swells.

Stuart J. Orff, 50, of Abbott and owner of the boat, Frederick McAffee, 59, of Dover-Foxcroft, Nathaniel J. Bates, 26, of Abbott, and Carl B. Butler, 32, of Abbott, were able to hold on to the pontoons until help arrived.

The Maine Warden Service, through the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office dispatch, contacted Mark Gilbert and Josh Gile of Moosehead Marina, on Moose River in Rockwood, to assist. Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Gile were able to get the four men out of the water.

Sgt. Chandler and Game Warden Troy Dauphinee responded from the Maine Warden Service’s Greenville office about 20 miles away from the scene.

All men were cold, but unharmed. They were examined by personnel from C.A. Dean Ambulance and Rockwood Fire and Rescue.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Press Releases