Wardens recover fisherman’s body at Blake Lake
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
BLAKE LAKE — Game wardens recovered the body of a boater Tuesday, April 24, at Blake Lake, east of Eagle Lake, in Township 16 Range 6. Ronald Toussaint, 57, of Eagle Lake, had been reported missing Monday night.
“Ronald Toussaint was fishing with Jason Dube, 37, of Eagle Lake, in a 12-foot fishing boat with an outboard motor April 23. Somehow the boat capsized and the two went overboard around 6:30 p.m. The Warden Service was notified of the accident around 7:45 p.m.,” said Lt. Tom Ward, Maine Warden Service, based in Ashland, who supervised the recovery, assisted by Sgt. Dan Menard
Ward said rescue efforts were hampered by a number of factors.
“It’s a long ways in to Blake Lake and the roads are extremely poor,” he said.
Ward said the investigation into what exactly happened is continuing.
“Somehow the boat capsized about 75 yards from shore. There were life jackets in the boat but neither man was wearing one,” said Ward. “We’re still trying to determine what happened.”
According to Ward, Dube was able to make it to shore but not Toussaint.
“We had five wardens in there until 12:30 a.m. searching the shore, talking to the witness. Tuesday morning we went back in with 13 Warden Service personnel and eight Warden Service divers. We had a plane flying as well,” Ward said. U.S. Border Patrol also had personnel on scene.
Toussaint was found Tuesday morning.
“Toussaint’s body was located around 9:50 a.m. in about 14 feet of water. He was transported to Daigle Nadeau Funeral Home in Fort Kent,” said Ward.
Ward said he was glad they were able to find the man in such a short time, given the location of the accident.
“Officers put in a good effort this morning. Logistically it was a tough search because of the location — very muddy roads going in,” he said.
With boating season here, wardens advise all venturing out on the water to be sure to have appropriate flotation devices and/or life jackets for all persons on board. Other precautions should also be taken, including notifying someone of where you plan to go and when you will be back, as well as dressing appropriately for conditions.
Ward said anyone heading out on water, especially this time of year, should prepare for emergencies.
“The water temp at the surface right now is about 40 degrees. It’s extremely cold. When one capsizes, it’s very difficult — hypothermia sets in quickly, affects motor skills,” said Ward. “Be sure to put your life jacket on before getting in or on any water craft. It may save your life.”
