CHAUTAUQUA LAKE – Quick work by first responders and others on Chautauqua Lake likely saved a boater in distress this week.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office says their navigation patrol, along with the Lakewood Fire Department’s emergency vessel, responded to a sinking boat around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Deputies say it is unclear why the vessel started to sink, however thanks to others on the lake, it was pulled near shore when crews arrived on scene.
The Lakewood Fire Department then began pumping water from the boat, however, was not able to keep up with the flow and the craft sank.
Smith Boys Marina was later able to salvage the ship, pulling it from the water and towing it back to shore.
Upon further inspection, deputies say a lower unit bellows failed causing rapid intake of water.
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