From the Press of Atlantic City, 1/11/2010-Emily Previti-Staff Writer
SHAMONG TOWNSHIP - A 53-year-old Salem County man was rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter more than two hours after he and his rescuers had fallen through ice in Wharton State Forest, officials said Sunday.
Louis Cataldi Jr., 53, of Pittsgrove Township, was trapped in a bog several miles into the woods when he called for help at about 6:10 p.m. Saturday, according to Mullica Township Police Lt. Paul Register.
"The road that leads back there has been closed since 1988 or 1989," Register said.
Cataldi was looking for his dogs when he trekked into the desolate area near Atsion Lake off Route 206 in Shamong Township, Burlington County.
The animals got away while walking with Cataldi, who later told police that he occasionally brings them to the state forest for exercise, Register said.
Volunteers for the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service drove an all-terrain vehicle into the woods to look for Cataldi but fell through the ice shortly before they reached him, Register said, but they were able to get out without help.
A State Police helicopter also reached Cataldi's location but lacked the equipment necessary to hoist him to safety, Register said.
U.S. Coast Guard personnel got to Cataldi at 8:22 p.m., according to Petty Officer Jonathan Lindberg.
They flew Cataldi back to Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township.
Neither he nor his rescuers needed medical treatment, according to Lindbergh and Register.
Cataldi was unreachable Sunday for comment.
Monday, January 11, 2010
PITTSGROVE MAN RESCUED AFTER FALLING THROUGH ICE IN WHARTON STATE FOREST
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I'm glad the guy got out safely but the article says nothing about the dogs being recovered.
I'm very worried that they will not survive being alone in the forest in these frigid temperatures.
How many people would drive that far away from their home in this cold and go miles into the desolate forest?
He's very lucky he had a working cell phone with him or else it could have been years before he was found.
The whole story is very strange and maybe the police should check if he even owned dogs.
Post a Comment