November 19, 2022 – Fond du Lac Co., Wi – On Saturday, November 19, 2022, at approximately 7:39 a.m., the Fond du Lac County Communications Center received a 911 call from a male subject who had capsized his kayak and was in the water in the Fond du Lac River north of the Mascoutin Valley State Park Trail. This is located in the Eldorado Marsh State Wildlife area.
The subject, a 27-year-old Waupaca man, was able to remain in contact with the Communications Center until deputies arrived on scene. Upon arrival, deputies were able to see the subject, who was approximately 100 yards north of the Mascoutin Valley State Park Trail Bridge over the river; however, they were not able to get to him at this time due to the water and ice.
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The river in this area is approximately 20 to 30 yards wide and varies in depth. At the time, the river had a layer of newly formed thin ice.
The Lamartine Fire Department arrived on scene and personnel in surface rescue suits were able to utilize their inflatable rescue sled to make their way to the subject. The Sheriff’s Office also attempted to utilize their inflatable motorized boat, but due to the ice and shallow water, this was unsuccessful.
Lamartine Fire Department personnel were able to successfully rescue the subject. He was turned over to City of Fond du Lac Fire Department Paramedics and transported to SSM St. Agnes Hospital for treatment of hypothermia.
The subject was in the water for approximately 1 hour from the time of call until rescuers were able to reach him and transport him to shore.
The subject was able to tell the investigating deputy he was deer hunting and had put his kayak in the river at the same bridge at approximately 6:15 a.m.
He stated he was attempting to paddle upstream and as he was going over a patch of ice, the ice broke away and caused him to capsize. He stated he attempted to walk through the water back to the bridge, but once he realized how far he had to go and how cold the water was, he stopped to call 911.
The water in the area varies from knee to waste deep, with a muck bottom, which also hindered his efforts at self-rescue.
The Sheriff’s Office, Lamartine Fire Department, City of Fond du Lac Fire Department Paramedics, and wardens from the Wisconsin DNR all responded to the scene for this rescue. The Wisconsin DNR will handle further follow up and investigation.
