When the boat encountered difficulties at Lockport Cave, local tourism and hospitality providers were on board.
Authorities said a tour boat capsized in a cave along the Erie Canal in western New York state on Monday, throwing several people into the water and killing one. Lockport police officers and firemen hurried to the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride after receiving the initial requests for assistance about 11:30 a.m., officials said.
According to the Lockport Fire Department, a passenger was trapped under the vessel when it bottomed out and was confirmed deceased once he was rescued from the water. Officials stated the man’s identity would not be made public until his wife was notified.
According to the fire department, first responders rescued 16 persons from the water, 11 of whom were brought to hospitals for minor injuries and hypothermia, reflecting a preliminary story provided earlier by Lockport Police Chief Steven Abbott.
According to the fire brigade, twelve additional passengers were tall enough to walk through the water while breathing and reach safety. Rescuers deployed an inflatable boat and penetrated a cave wall to approach riders from several directions, according to the report.
According to the fire department, a municipal police officer who into the water to assist passengers was subsequently brought to a hospital to be assessed for suspected hypothermia.
The passengers aboard the boat were hospitality and travel professionals from the region on a “familiarisation tour,” according to officials. They were guests of Destination Niagara USA, which promotes local tourism.
“Wet and shaken up is definitely an understatement,” Quagliano remarked.
The boat capsized at the conclusion of its 350-foot voyage.
“There are no dangerous areas to navigate or anything like that.” “The cave system is well-lit throughout,” Quagliano remarked. “This location has been in operation without incident for decades.” The personnel is quite well-trained.”
At the site were investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, the sheriff’s office and local police.
“At this time, we’re treating it as a crime scene until further notice,” Abbott explained.
The infamous Lockport Cave was featured in a 2016 episode of Syfy’s “Ghost Hunters.”
According to police, the owner has been working with detectives in the early phases of the investigation. The site’s operators did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
The fire brigade stated that the reason of the capsizing was being investigated.
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