The Maine Warden Service retrieved a snowmobile from Moosehead Lake Saturday that went through the ice last week while the warden riding it was searching for a man who was reported missing, according to a department spokesperson.
Warden Nick Bartholomew was searching Moosehead for Colby Davis, who got separated from his friend in a snowsquall Thursday while riding snowmobiles near Farm Island in Tomhegan Township, said Mark Latti, communications director for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Davis was found safe the next morning, holed up in a warm camp five miles from where he became disoriented.
The warden was crossing an area during the search that had solid ice just two days before when Bartholomew’s sled suddenly broke through the ice. Bartholomew was able to get out by himself. Bartholomew was not injured, Latti said.
The department removed the sled from Moosehead Saturday.
Latti stressed that people need to be really careful and check ice thickness every few feet, and be aware of areas where there are springs feeding in and other hazards that can create unsafe conditions.
“Conditions on Maine’s lakes and ponds are changing rapidly this year,” Latti said.
Correction: An earlier version of this story contained inaccuracies. Warden Nick Bartholomew was alone when he fell through the ice and got out himself, and he suffered frostbite on his ears.