Jan 18, 2025
MOUNT DESERT—Early Saturday morning, emergency personnel responded to a report of a 10-foot U-Haul truck in Echo Lake. The driver motored the U-Haul approximately 400 yards over the lake’s ice before the truck broke through.
Southwest Harbor Fire Department assisted Mount Desert Fire in the rescue and posted about it on social media.
The 75-year-old driver of the truck was able to escape, but was wet and cold. Firefighters went onto the ice via foot and carried the driver to shore. The U-Haul, allegedly went onto the pond at Ike’s Point, continued further onto the lake and broke through approximately 5 inches of ice.
The driver crawled out of the truck and onto the top of the truck. From there, he called 911.
The man was taken to MDI Hospital where he was treated and then released, according to MDIFW Communications Director Mark Latti.
“The incident happened at approximately 4:45 a.m. today,” Latti said. “It appears the elderly man was confused and was not aware of where he was.”
Latti said it appears that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or anything else.
The U-Haul eventually submerged.
“A marine salvage company is working to remove the truck from the lake,” Latti said.
Echo Lake is a fresh water lake on the western side of Mount Desert Island that is usually accessed via Route 102. The lake borders Acadia National Park and rests between Southwest Harbor and Somesville. According to the National Park Service, “Five great ponds border the park: Echo Lake, Hodgdon Pond, Seal Cove Pond, Long Pond on Mount Desert Island and Long Pond on Isle au Haut.”
Ike’s Point is a paved boat ramp area on the lake. It’s usually used for launching kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes.
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