Maine Game Wardens Search For Missing Canoeists

Game wardens searched the area of Leonard’s Lake after an abandoned canoe was found on the water Tuesday, said Cpl. John McDonald of the Maine Warden Service.

The abandoned canoe contained two life jackets and food items. Game wardens say paddles, gloves and a fishing pole were also found nearby.

Game wardens searched the area, assuming at least one person had gone into the water.

During the investigation, game wardens learned that a pair of canoeists, Wayde Awalt, 23, and Deanna Lindsey, 28, both of Ellsworth, had been picked up by a passing motorist, McDonald said.

Awalt and Lindsey said their canoe took on water and they were forced to swim to shore.

The two were cold and wet, but did not require medical attention.

Orland fire and Ellsworth fire and police assisted game wardens in the search for the missing canoeists.

Awalt and Lindsey were not wearing life jackets, McDonald said.

Following the incident, the Maine Warden Service is urging all boaters to wear life jackets, especially with water temperatures hovering near freezing.