DENMARK, Maine — Five people, including three children were rescued after falling through the ice in Denmark.
The Denmark Fire Department says they responded to the call on Moose Pond late this afternoon when neighbors living on nearby Hummingbird Lane heard screaming in the dark.
Officials say a UTV was driving on the ice when it fell through.
“They were all very cold, they were all extremely grateful,” said Katelyn Callaghan, a volunteer firefighter in Denmark.
They say the water was shallow enough that all five people could stand on the roof of the UTV and remain mostly out of the water.
Crews had to use dry suits and floating sleds to reach them, before bringing them back to shore on a raft.
Denmark fire officials say these five people are very lucky they were rescued in a very remote area at night.
“They’re very lucky that someone heard them from shore,” said Callaghan.
Temperatures in Denmark did reach above freezing for much of the afternoon, which officials say likely weakened the ice.
“If you do go out on the ice, make sure that you’re testing the ice. There are people I’ve fishing on Moose Pond, but you really need to be carrying some type of floatation with you. You should be bring a chisel so you can test the ice as you’re going out there,” said Denmark Fire Chief, Chris Wentworth.
Maine Game Wardens and several area departments assisted with the rescue.
