The Maine Warden Service reports a Westport Island man was able to use his cell phone to call for help after falling through thin ice while riding a snowmobile on Feb. 24.
Roger Mackbach, 35, of Westport Island, was alone riding upstream on Stony Brook in Pittston at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Mackbach came off his sled when the rear end of the snowmobile sank through thin ice in approximately four feet of water, according to MWS Game Warden Doug Kulis.
Mackbach, who has one arm, was able to stand in the water and use his cell phone to call for help.
Pittson Fire Chief Jason Farris said Mackbach was in the water for approximately 35 minutes.
“The cell phone saved his life. There’s no doubt in my mind,” Farris said.
Firefighters responded and secured ropes to Mackbach and the Artic Cat snowmobile, and a pair of Gardiner firefighters in coldwater suits brought him to shore after relaying him on two rescue sleds.
Suffering from mild hypothermia, Mackbach was transported to Maine General Hospital in Augusta by Gardiner Rescue.
The accident scene was about a mile off Pinkham Road, requiring Pittston and Gardiner emergency responders to walk with their gear through piles of new snow.
Farris said although the rear of the snowmobile had gone through the ice, the engine was not damaged. After pulling it out of the water, firefighters drove the snowmobile back to the man’s home.
