Search for missing Quebec man suspended

    The search for a missing snowmobiler from Quebec was suspended on Dec. 3. The search effort for 67-year-old Renald Poulin was comprised of 26 game wardens, including K9 team and dive team members, as well as 15 Maine Association of SAR Dogs (MESARD) search team volunteers and five Maine Forest Rangers.

    No clues were found that led investigators to Poulin. The primary search area has been contained within TWP T6, R13 WELS and included both the western and southwestern shores of Umbazooksus Lake, Umbazooksus Stream and encompassed significant portions of the once-used tram railway system; believed to be Poulin’s destination. Poulin’s vehicle was located by game wardens on Saturday, Nov. 30, however Poulin was never physically seen at this location.
    With no clues indicating Poulin’s direction of travel and recent snows accumulating about four inches, evidence detection has become nearly impossible. Due to weather conditions on Dec. 3, aircraft were not used. The Maine Warden Service dive team searched several high probability water locations with no signs of Poulin.
    The Warden Service will evaluate future search strategies of larger wooded areas likely to have been explored by Poulin in proximity to his recovered vehicle. Game wardens have been talking with tram enthusiasts to collect information regarding the area and tram system. Searches in areas most frequented by tram enthusiasts have turned up no clues. Warden Service aircraft were scheduled to fly to search the area when weather permits.
    It is possible that Poulin encountered a problem in the Umbazooksus Dam area beginning on his border crossing date of Nov. 26, although his vehicle was not observed until four days later by game wardens. Game wardens are asking those who may have seen Poulin’s vehicle parked at the Umbazooksus Dam between Nov. 26-30 to please call the Public Safety Dispatch Center in Houlton at 1-800-924-2261.