ISLESBORO, Maine — A fast-acting state ferry attendant hauled a cold kayaker out of Penobscot Bay Thursday afternoon after the kayaker capsized while paddling to Warren Island State Park for a long weekend of camping.
“I guess he underestimated the wind,” Islesboro Public Safety Director Fred Porter said shortly after the rescue. “He’s fine. He was a little cold and we warmed him up. People need to be careful when they’re out boating at 2 or 3 o’clock in the afternoon. The wind usually shifts at that time of day.”
Porter said he did not know the name, hometown or age of the man in the kayak, who was traveling with his brother. The brother made it safely to Warren Island, a short hop from Grindle Point on Islesboro, where the ferry terminal is located. The other man did not.
The ferry attendant saw him go in and then went to get him in a little dinghy that was on the shore. Porter said the man was in the water for about 12 minutes, and after he was checked out by emergency responders, he was released to rejoin his brother for their camping trip.