
MOUNT DESERT, Maine - An elderly man driving a rented U-Haul truck broke through the ice on Echo Lake in Mount Desert on Saturday. The man was rescued by local EMS and taken to MDI Hospital where he was treated and released.
The incident happened at approximately 4:45 a.m. when it appears the man was confused and not aware of where he was when he drove down the Ikes Point Road then continued right onto the ice on Echo Lake. He then drove around 450 yards before partially breaking through ice that was only an inch thick.
The man was able to crawl to the top of the truck from where he called 911 and was soon rescued. It appears he was not under the influence of alcohol or anything else according to an MDIWF release.
Later Saturday morning, the truck broke through the ice completely and is now totally submerged. A marine salvage company is working to remove the truck from the lake when it is safe.