EAGLE LAKE, Maine — Warden divers recovered the body of an Eagle Lake fisherman Tuesday after he was reported missing in a boating accident Monday night.
Ronald Toussaint, 57, was found in 14 feet of water at 9:50 a.m. Tuesday in Blake Lake near the spot his boat capsized about 75 feet from shore.
According to Lt. Warden Thomas Ward, who headed up the recovery operation, Toussaint and Jason Dube, 37, also of Eagle Lake, had been fishing in Blake Lake when at approximately 6:30 p.m. their 12-foot aluminum fishing boat capsized.
Dube was able to swim to shore, Ward said, but could not see Toussaint. Neither man was wearing a flotation device, the warden added, despite having two devices on board at the time of the accident.
Blake Lake is located in a remote section of Township 16 Range 6 east of Eagle Lake and is accessible by a seasonal dirt road.
“That road is very bad right now,” Ward said. “You need a four-wheel drive to get in.”
Five wardens were on the scene Monday night searching the lake by watercraft until just after midnight, Ward said.
Ward was assisted by Sgt. Dan Menard, 13 district game wardens, eight warden service dive team members, and an aircraft flown by retired Warden Pilot Gary Dumond. U.S. Border Patrol also had personnel at the scene.
Both men were described as experienced boaters and Ward said the accident serves as a powerful message that life jackets should be worn at all times when boating, especially this time of year.
“The water temperature [in Blake Lake] right now is around 40 degrees,” he said. “When accidents like this happen there is a very short amount of time to save yourself [when] your limbs and extremities numb up and your motor skills just don’t work. Don’t just toss the life vests under the [boat’s] seat.”
Ward described the weather during the recovery operation as “very poor” with cold water and air temperatures.
“The condition of the road hampered our efforts to get in rescue equipment,” he said. “Communication was also poor as far as cell [phone] coverage.”
The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, though Ward said it is thought one of the two men may have stood up in the boat, causing it to capsize.
Probably another canoe andthe passengers not wearing life vests. Sad that people don’t realize how unsafe those canoes are and can easily tip over.
not sure what they were in but this time of year the winds can pick up quickly, life jackets certainly help but the water is still very cold and hypothermia can set in quickly.
My neighbor in Fort Kent, who owned a hardware store in town, went canoeing on a small lake on a very windy day a few years ago. He was not wearing a PFD, nor could he swim. He drowned and the others made it to shore. I believe then, the law required PFD’s in the boat but you did not have to wear them. Unfortunately, when a canoe or kayak tips over there is no time to put on a PFD. Last year, after numerous kayak and canoe drownings in Maine waters a politician from Hancock introduced a Bill to force canoers and kayakers to wear PFD’s at all times while out on the water. I don’t believe the Bill ever passed. There was a lot of opposition to the bill because it is believed by some that wearing a PFD is common sense and should not be a law. People under the age of 10 must wear them.
I totally agree with you on this–I won’t go out in my canoe, boat or kayak without one on!
They found the body this morning. It was my neighbor Ron Toussaint of Eagle Lake.
I NEVER go out in my canoe or kayak, except in water less than 2 ft. deep, without my PFD on and snugged up. There is no time to put it on if a sudden wave or gust capsizes your boat. That being said, I think that we should do public safety education, but NOT pass a law mandating that adults wear PFD’s.
It makes total sense to have a PFD on when paddling, especially when the water is cold, but enforcement would be almost impossible.
I don’t own a canoe or kayak, but I do own a 17 foot bass fishing boat with an 8-foot beam. Pretty hard to capsize one of those. I usually keep my PFD next to me. I don’t like to wear it while fishing because it’s uncomfortable to wear. I never stand up in the boat. I crawl on my knees instead. But, after hearing what happened to my neighbor Ron Toussaint I’m convinced I should wear my PFD at all times while in the boat.
Try the new inflatables. I bought one two years ago and love it. I put in on before I leave the dock and honestly I have forgotten I had in on untill I got in the truck to take the boat back out of the lake.
Thanks. I’ll have to look into that.
Canoes aren’t themselves inherently dangerous. It’s the conditions, how a person uses them, and their familiarity with the craft that create potentially dangerous conditions. I wear a life vest when the conditions require it, and when the water is cold, but middle of summer on a calm day I won’t wear it. I don’t think you should be required to wear one either, you should make that judgement for yourself.
many people make the mistake of not wearing a life jacket in the summer months due to the relative warmth of the water. accidents like these are survivable the wearer does not expend energy to keep himself afloat. this is the job of the life jacket. this buys time until help arrives. in 40-50 degree water hypothermia takes effect in about one hour.
good video on this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xohI3B4Uc
I am very aware of the dangers in the outdoors, and have taken many a first aid, responder, wilderness first aid, etc… courses. I stand by my choices, I will wear a PFD when I feel that it is necessary. As with anything know your limits and take the precautions for the conditions.
Saddly, this man has been found at 930 this morning in 14 feet of water 75 feet off shore..
Condolences to the family and friends.. May you rest in peace
The only good thing in this story is that the man can be brought home to his family and loved ones and rest in peace. Condolences to them.
Condolences to his grieving family.
I am related to both parties of this terrible accident.My heart and prayers goes out to their families .I will always remember to wear my life jacket now !!!Even though I know how to swim you should never take it for granted not to wear one!!! REST IN PEACE RON !!!
Very sad, condolences to the family.
Big man with a bigger heart. HUGE loss to this community. Miss you my friend.
Hard to tell, are the wardens wearing their PFDs under their jackets?
The are wardens wearing flotation jackets similar to these… http://www.onyxoutdoor.com/product/0/7501NVY/_/Flotation_Jacket
Actually I’m going to buy one today.. I’ve taken enough chances out on the water early in the season like this and with the loss of Ron it has really brought it home.. I’ve cheated the devil long enough.. The regular PFD’s don’t fit that well over all the gear one needs to wear when out on that cold water early… This should be the ticket !!
Condolences to his family. RIP Ron…
Thanks for the info
I grew up on E.L. and recognize the name. I think his dad owned the Cloverhill Lodge? I learned long ago not to go out in a kayak or canoe w/out a PFD. When I’m in a larger boat with more expereinced people, I may not wear it but I always know where it is. SAFETY FIRST! I was almost killed in a kayaking accident 2 years ago and if it were not for my PFD (and faithful husband) I wouldn’t be sending this message today. I was wedged between rocks in a very strong current and high water and I cannot swim. The current sucked me under but the PFD brought me right back up so I could catch a breath. Friends waited on the shoreline while hubby came to rescue me. PFDs save lives!
If you can’t swim, wear a PFD at all times. But, in 40 degree water that may not be much help. Ron’s parents ran Clover Hill Lodge for many years. The place burnt down in the late 90’s. Ron was a heavy equipment operator and did a great job clearing lots, etc. He used to maintain the snowmobile trails on the Sly Brook side and also the road crossing the lake from his house to the town of eagle lake in the wintertime. I for one will miss him dearly because everytime I needed someone to cut a tree down or do some earthmoving he was always there to do the job for you at a reasonable price. I gave him a big hug last Fall, and I’m glad I did. May he rest in peace.
Such a big loss for the community. He was a great person with a heart of gold and would’ve given the shirt off his back to help anyone…RIP Ron!