PHOTOS: Orange, Athol first responders search Lake Mattawa

by Paul Franz March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

After a community member "reported seeing someone fall off a boat and drift away in the fog," according to Orange Fire Capt. Tim Matthews, members of the Orange and Athol Fire departments responded to Lake Mattawa on Tuesday morning. Also on scene were Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Northfield Dive/Rescue Team and the Orange Police Department. The Orange and Athol departments launched boats and conducted a grid search of the lake, which did not locate a boat or any other evidence. First responders did encounter two 55-gallon drums that were floating on the lake. Credit: PAUL FRANZ / Staff Photo

The Athol Fire Department’s rescue boat returns to the boat ramp after searching Lake Mattawa on Tuesday. According to Orange Fire Capt. Tim Matthews, a community member had “reported seeing someone fall off a boat and drift away in the fog.” Credit: PAUL FRANZ / Staff Photo

Paul Franz

Paul Franz is the Photo Editor of the Greenfield Recorder and has worked there since 1989. He can be reached at pfranz@recorder.com More by Paul Franz

PHOTOS: Orange, Athol first responders search Lake Mattawa

Paul Franz

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