New Richland Man Rescued From Stranded Duck Boat

A New Richland man was rescued after his duck boat became stranded on an icy lake in Faribault County over the weekend.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to Rice Lake at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report that a man was in the water, struggling to get his boat through the ice at Rice Lake.   The man was identified as Albert John Fenton, 46, of rural New Richland.

A press release from the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office says Fenton was hanging off the side of the boat when deputies arrived on the scene.  Fenton was able to get on top of the ice and began walking to shore, but again fell through the ice, according to the release. Fire crews were eventually able to rescue him using an inflatable raft.

The raft containing Fenton and the rescue crew was pulled to shore, where Fenton was treated by ambulance staff, then taken a short distance to Mayo Air, according to the release.  He was evaluated and eventually left the scene with family.

No injuries to Fenton or the recuse personnel were reported.

The sheriff’s office says the boat remained on the lake until it could be brought safely to shore.

Fire departments from Wells, Blue Earth, and Minnesota Lake assisted at the scene.