NEWPORT — Newport Police are searching for a missing 70-year-old fisherman whose kayak was found empty Friday evening on Lake Memphremagog’s South Bay.
Charles Arnold was reported overdue by family members who called 911 at 8:44 p.m. on September 19, 2025. The family last had contact with Arnold at 12:30 p.m. by cellphone while he was fishing in the South Bay area.
Newport Police responded to the South Bay Fishing Access and immediately summoned additional resources for the search.
Multiple agencies participated, including Newport City Fire Department with mobile command and watercraft, Derby Line Fire Department, Troy Fire Department, Orleans Fire Department, Newport Ambulance Service, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, and Vermont State Police with drone unit, search and rescue, and dive team.
An extensive search of the South Bay area was conducted over several hours. Arnold’s orange and black fishing kayak was recovered near the South Yard area off Glen Road, but Arnold was not located. His life jacket was found inside the kayak.
The search was suspended at midnight and resumed at daylight Friday with additional Vermont State Police resources.
Arnold is described as a white male of medium build with white hair and a white goatee. He was last seen wearing shorts and a dark plaid long-sleeve shirt.
Newport Police are asking for public assistance. Anyone who may have seen Arnold is asked to contact the Newport Police Department Dispatch Center at 802-334-6733.
