Echo Lake drowning under investigation

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A weekend boating accident at Echo Lake has claimed the life of a Presque Isle teen.
The Maine Warden Service responded to a call around 2:30 a.m. May 11 of an overturned canoe at Echo Lake.
“The call came into the Presque Isle Police Department and they notified us early Sunday morning that there’d been a boating accident at Echo. It occurred off the north shore. Three men were out in a 17-foot canoe when it capsized. Two of them — both 25 years old and from Presque Isle — were able to make it back to shore. The third man, also from Presque Isle, didn’t make it back,” said Lt. Tom Ward, Maine Warden Service.
Ward identified the missing man as Jacob Caldwell, 19. The other men’s names are not being released at this time.
“We’re withholding their names, pending further investigation,” said the lieutenant.
Nearly a dozen members of the MWS took part in the search.
“We had 10 wardens in different capacities, including divers and a pilot, involved in the search. Our pilot saw what he thought was something, which allowed us to narrow our search area. It turned out to be Caldwell’s body,” said Ward.
Weather conditions made it difficult for rescue crews.
“When we first got there everything was calm. Visibility was poor later in the day when the wind picked up. Divers were able to recover the victim around 11:10 a.m. He was transported to the funeral home shortly after,” Ward said.
The MWS was also assisted at the scene by a crew from the Presque Isle Fire Department.
Ward said the incident remains under investigation.
“We don’t believe life vests were used and aren’t sure what the three were doing out at that hour. They may have been fishing. The investigation is ongoing at this point,” said Ward.
Ward said water temperature could have been a factor.
“The water’s still quite cold. Ice has only been out for one or two weeks at most. Hypothermia sets in quickly. We urge everyone heading out on the water to use safety equipment and have enough PFD’s (personal floatation devices) onboard for all passengers, and be sure to use caution around cold water. Using common sense can save a life,” said Ward.
Caldwell was a 2013 graduate of PIHS and had lived in Limestone in the past. Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Faye Funeral Home, 5 Erskine St., Presque Isle. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m.