Denmark (WGME) — Five people, including three children, were rescued after falling through ice in Denmark on Saturday.
The Denmark Fire Department said they responded to a call at Moose Pond Saturday evening after neighbors on nearby Hummingbird Lane heard screams in the dark.
Officials said the UTV was traveling on ice when it fell off.
The water was shallow enough that all five men were able to stand on the roof of the UTV and mostly get out of the water.
The crew had to use drysuits and floating sleds to reach them and bring them back to shore on rafts.
Danish fire officials said the five people were extremely lucky to have been rescued at night in a very remote area.
“They were all very cold, but very grateful,” said Danish volunteer firefighter Caitlin Callaghan.
Temperatures in Denmark remained below freezing for much of the afternoon, but authorities said the ice may have weakened.
“We were very lucky that someone heard us from shore,” Denmark Fire Department Chief Chris Wentworth said. “If you’re going to be out on the ice, make sure you’ve tested the ice. I see people ice fishing on moose ponds, but you definitely need to bring some kind of buoyancy. Bring a chisel. You need to be able to test the ice while being outside.”
Maine game wardens and several departments assisted in the rescue.