Staff Writer
ASHLAND — A New Hampshire snowmobiler has been cited for attempting to cross open water, following a Friday afternoon incident on the Aroostook River while out riding with friends.
Eric Schreiber, 38, of Raymond, N.H., was snowmobiling with two friends on ITS 85 at approximately 2:30 p.m. when the incident occurred.
“Instead of crossing the river on the Route 11 bridge, Schreiber attempted to cross the river itself,” said MWS Lieutenant Tom Ward. Schreiber’s friends did not attempt the same crossing, opting for the safety of land.
According to Ward, about halfway across, Schreiber and his sled ended up in four feet of water.
“He was able to get out and a towing company was called to remove the sled from the water,” said Ward. Doug Chasse was contacted and assisted the Warden Service in removing the sled from the river. Chasse was able to reach the snowmobile using a jon boat tethered to the bridge. Route 11 was shut down briefly to allow emergency personnel more room to work.
“Schreiber was issued a citation for operating a snowmobile on open water, also known as ‘skimming,’ and faces a monetary fine,” Ward said.
“Skimming” occurs when a snowmobiler on snow or ice approaches open water and attempts to hydroplane across it to snow or ice on the other side by opening up the sled’s throttle and gunning the engine. It is illegal to operate a snowmobile on open water in Maine. The activity has resulted in near drownings and death in past instances.
“Skimming across open water is extremely dangerous and stupid,” Ward said.
Schreiber was checked out by emergency personnel at the scene but did not require additional medical treatment.
“Between the water and the air temperatures, hypothermia sets in within minutes,” said Ashland Ambulance Director Pat Long.
Though cold, Schreiber was able to return to his hotel room where he reportedly took a shower to raise his body temperature.
The Ashland Police and Fire departments also assisted Warden Preston Pomerleau with the investigation.
(Ashland correspondent Susan Feeney-Hopkins contributed to this article.)
A SNOWMOBILE had to be retrieved from open water on the Aroostook River in Ashland Jan. 8 near the Ashland Fish and Game Club, after a New Hampshire man’s failed attempt to ‘skim’ from one side to the other.
