Man rescued from Vadnais Heights swamp

A man is recovering after he found himself trapped up to his neck in a swamp near the border of White Bear Township and Vadnais Heights.

Officials say Scott Karas, of Hastings, became trapped in the swampy area near Interstate 35E and Country Road F around 12 p.m.

White Bear Lake Fire Chief Tim Vadnais says Karas had been contracted to survey the power line for Xcel Energy and was knee-deep in water when he slipped, sinking up to his neck in the quicksand-like mud.

"Luckily, he had a cell phone with him and was able to call his partner and tell him he was in trouble out there and his partner called us," Vadnais said.

Rescue crews donned wet suits to slide into the water and were able to tie a rope around Karas, before using a hovercraft to pull him to safety.

"He seemed quite upset when rescue crews got to him, he was very cold. They took him to the hospital for possible hypothermia," said Vadnais.

Karas was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul to be treated. By Monday evening, he was released.