Graduation party ends in tragedy
PORTAGE LAKE - Portage Lake was dragged Sunday in a vain attempt to recover the body of 17-year old Jeffrey Lavway of Presque Isle, presumably drowned shortly after midnight Saturday when a boat upset on the lake.
Sgt. John Robertson, game warden in charge of the dragging operations, said the youth had gone for a boat ride with three companions while attending a graduation party at a lakeside camp. The other three occupants of the boat swam ashore, but Lavway apparently failed to reach land. The youth is the son of Mrs. Dorothy Lavway of Presque Isle.
The accident occurred about 1 & 1/2 miles from the beach on the west side of the lake, observers said. Robertson said the teenager was apparently not wearing a life preserver.
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department divers were assisting in the search Sunday and an Inland Fisheries plane was scouting the area where the boat upset. Also assisting in the search were State Trooper James Willey of Ashland, Constable Robert Boutot of Portage Lake, and a host of volunteers who were patrolling the shore line.
Presque Isle residents came to Portage Lake to assist with the search.
The warden services did not identify the three other occupants of the boat. It was believed to have capsized in 15-17 feet of water.
Graduation party ends in tragedy
PORTAGE LAKE - Portage Lake was dragged Sunday in a vain attempt to recover the body of 17-year old Jeffrey Lavway of Presque Isle, presumably drowned shortly after midnight Saturday when a boat upset on the lake.
Sgt. John Robertson, game warden in charge of the dragging operations, said the youth had gone for a boat ride with three companions while attending a graduation party at a lakeside camp. The other three occupants of the boat swam ashore, but Lavway apparently failed to reach land. The youth is the son of Mrs. Dorothy Lavway of Presque Isle.
The accident occurred about 1 & 1/2 miles from the beach on the west side of the lake, observers said. Robertson said the teenager was apparently not wearing a life preserver.
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department divers were assisting in the search Sunday and an Inland Fisheries plane was scouting the area where the boat upset. Also assisting in the search were State Trooper James Willey of Ashland, Constable Robert Boutot of Portage Lake, and a host of volunteers who were patrolling the shore line.
Presque Isle residents came to Portage Lake to assist with the search.
The warden services did not identify the three other occupants of the boat. It was believed to have capsized in 15-17 feet of water.
Gravesite Details
original owner listed as Clifford McHatten; Milford McHatten and Dorothy Lavway listed as other owners.
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