(Merrimack Fire Rescue photo) Broken sheets of ice show the path Merrimack Fire Rescue divers took after launching an inflatable rescue and recovery boat into Naticook Lake to reach a man who was snowshoeing on the lake became stranded on an island after the ice gave way.

MERRIMACK — A local man whose name wasn’t released told fire department rescue divers he was snowshoeing on Naticook Lake when he heard what sounded like the ice was about to break up.

The man was able to make his way to the nearest shoreline, which was that of Blueberry Island, the lake’s only island, which sits just about in the center of the lake.

Upon arrival, crews launched an inflatable rescue-recovery boat, and headed out to the island and located the man, who was uninjured.

Divers gave him a PFD — a personal floatation device also known as a life jacket — then helped him into the boat for the short trip back to the mainland.

The incident serves as yet another reminder to all residents who engage in winter recreational pursuits to exercise extreme caution when venturing out onto lakes and ponds where the ice may seem to be safe, but may also have numerous thin spots that aren’t readily noticeable.

(Merrimack Fire Rescue photo) Merrimack Fire Rescue divers launch their rescue and recovery boat and begin heading toward an island in Naticook Lake where a snowshoer became stranded on Sunday.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.