DERBY LINE — A 58-year-old man had to be rescued on Lake Memphremagog last night after fearing his truck was going to fall through the ice near the Canadian border.
At around 7:30 p.m. police were notified of the incident and coordinated with the Derby Line Fire Department and Fish and Wildlife to manage the situation.
Members of the Derby Line Fire Department were able to reach the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as Randall Lindquist, 58, of Colchester, utilizing an amphibious all-terrain rescue vehicle.
Lindquist lost his bearing on the ice due to blowing snow and poor visibility, driving beyond his intended access location at Eagle Point. He continued traveling toward Province Island.
The vehicle, a 2005 Ford Ranger, pulling a small 12′ camper, ran over a section of raised ice known as a “pressure ridge,” and became hung up.
Lindquist, concerned the vehicle was at risk of falling through, abandoned the vehicle and fled the area on foot.
A local fisherman assisted rescue workers to locate Lindquist, who was unharmed.
The vehicle remained above the ice, but was stranded because of the unstable conditions.
Authorities are reminding the public to use extreme caution on any body of water and be aware of changing, unstable, and inconsistent ice conditions prior to venturing out.
This incident took place on the same day that a 62-year-old man from Orleans died after falling through the ice on Lake Willoughby.
