Maine Man Died After His Kayak Overturned in Sabattus Pond

Friends were unable to recover a Maine man in time after his kayak tipped over in Sabattus Pond.

Biddeford, Maine, Man Drowned in Sabattus Pond While Kayaking

The Maine Warden Service has identified the man as Mateo Franco Cifuentes, 29, of Biddeford.

He drowned Wednesday night in Sabattus Pond when the kayak he was in tipped over.

Maine Man Died When His Kayak Tipped Over in Androscoggin County

Officials say Cifuentes was with a group of friends paddling near the shore at Martin's Point Park when he went in the water just before 8:00 pm.

Cifuentes didn't know how to swim and wasn't wearing a life jacket.

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A friend in another kayak and several others tried to help him to shore, but they were unsuccessful, and he remained underwater.

Several minutes later, another bystander dove into the water and recovered his body.

Witnesses called 911 and, when EMS personnel were unable to resuscitate him, Cifuentes was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Maine Game Wardens Urge Boaters to Wear Their Life Jackets at All Times

Maine Game Wardens are encouraging anyone planning to enjoy the water this summer to be realistic about their abilities and not put themselves in harm's way.

Boaters should always wear a life jacket, rather than just leaving it in the boat.

Emergencies happen fast, and there isn't time to put it on as you're falling into the water.