Search Underway for Burlington Man Who Fell into Lake Champlain

Search Operation Underway in Kingsland Bay

A search and recovery operation is currently active on Lake Champlain following the disappearance of a 48-year-old Burlington man who fell from a small fishing boat on Saturday afternoon.

Vermont State Police were notified of the incident, which occurred in Kingsland Bay near Ferrisburgh at approximately 4 p.m., according to reports from NBC Boston.

The man was not wearing a life jacket at the time he went overboard, a detail confirmed by his companion who was on the boat with him. The friend attempted to search for the man immediately after he fell, but he did not resurface. The initial search efforts by the companion were unsuccessful, leading to a broader emergency response.

Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts

Following the report, multiple agencies mobilized to the bay to conduct a search. Personnel from the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Ferrisburgh Fire Department were among the first to respond to the scene. According to coverage provided by WCAX, the U.S. Coast Guard maintained search operations throughout the night.

Search Underway for Burlington Man Who Fell into Lake Champlain — Photo: wcax.com

The operation is set to expand significantly on Sunday morning, November 8. The Vermont State Police Underwater Recovery Team and the Bureau of Criminal Investigations are scheduled to join the search and recovery efforts at that time. The Vermont State Police Victim Services Unit is also providing assistance during this process.

Investigation into Disappearance Continues

While the search remains the primary focus, authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall. According to Mynbc5, police have stated that there are no indications at this time that the disappearance is suspicious. The man’s identity is currently being withheld by officials, pending further investigation and the formal notification of his relatives.

Search for man who fell overboard into Lake Champlain continues — Photo: mynbc5.com

The practical implications for the community and those recreating on the lake remain centered on safety protocols. The lack of a life jacket in this incident underscores the risks associated with small craft navigation in the region. As the investigation continues, state police have requested that anyone with information that might assist in the case contact the New Haven Barracks at 802-388-4919.

The search efforts are expected to persist as teams transition into the next phase of the operation on Sunday. Whether the recovery team will face challenges from lake conditions or other environmental factors remains a question as the investigation moves forward. Official details regarding the recovery status are expected to follow as the teams complete their work in the bay.

Keep reading