Press Releases

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


Telephone:
work (207) 592-4348

Fax: (207) 287-6395

February 24, 2009

Westport Island Man Rescued from Icy Waters

Augusta - A 35-year-old Westport Island man was able to use his cell phone to call for help after falling through thin ice on his snowmobile this afternoon, February 24, 2009.

Roger Mackbach, 35, of Westport Island, was alone when he was driving his snowmobile on Stony Brook in Pittston at approximately 4:15 p.m. today. Mr. Mackbach came off of his seld when it broke through thin ice in approximately four feet of water, according to MWS game Warden Doug Kulis.

Mr. Mackbach, who has one arm, was able to stand in the water and used his cell phone to call for help. He was in the water for approximately 35 minutes before he was rescued by Gardiner Rescue.

Mr. Mackbach suffered mild hypothermia and was transported to Maine General Hospital.