Wardens locate missing snowmobiler
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
DEBOULLIE MOUNTAIN — A New York snowmobiler is lucky to be alive, after having spent several hours stranded in the woods near Deboullie Mountain, west of Winterville Plantation, during the early morning hours of Feb. 27.
“Anthony Dimaggio, of New York, was traveling alone by snowmobile Sunday, when he ran into trouble. He was able to hit his spot locator and his wife back in New York notified Maine State Police that her husband was stranded somewhere in the North Maine Woods,” said Lt. Tom Ward, Maine Warden Service, headquartered in Ashland.
Ward said the call initially went through State Police dispatch downstate, before being relayed to wardens in Aroostook.
Wardens Adrien Marquis and Gary Sibley responded to search for Dimaggio.
“They discovered Dimaggio, who’s about 61, around 3 a.m. under a tree. They said he was a mess. Dimaggio’s sled was buried and he was too weak to get it out, so he started walking. When he couldn’t walk any more, he stopped under a tree,” said Ward.
Ward said Dimaggio is very fortunate to have only suffered hypothermia.
“The temperature was around 11 below that night. He’s lucky the wardens found him when they did,” Ward said.
“He was riding alone and wasn’t prepared. When heading out to snowmobile or do any activity, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. It’s also better to do activities with a buddy, not alone,” continued Ward.
Ward said it’s a misconception to think in terms of time and distance when considering one’s proximity to safety.
“Once you’re 10 minutes from the road — your vehicle — it can take all day to walk out,” said Ward. “It’s a good idea to carry emergency items with you whenever possible. Things like snowshoes, an ax, food, a lighter, extra fuel and a cell phone can be beneficial. Staying on marked trails and riding with others makes a big difference between getting home safely and ending up another statistic.”
