A tour boat that takes visitors through caves and underground capsized in upstate New York on Monday, according to Lockport Police. It is unclear if anyone was injured in the incident or how the boat capsized.
“Lockport Police and Fire Departments, as well as several other agencies, are currently working to assist parties that were on a boat that capsized in the Lockport Cave Tours,” Lockport Police Department said in a statement posted on Facebook. “Crews are working to assist all parties safely out of the area. The incident is still ongoing. The surrounding streets have been closed to allow rescue vehicles and crews access. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride’s website states that the unique historic tour is “just a 30 minute drive from Niagara Falls or Buffalo.”
“Experience an underground boat ride that is both Unique and Mysterious: The next part of your journey is a one-of-a-kind underground boat ride. Embark on one of America’s longest underground boat rides along the Erie Canal and experience a trip of wonders,” the website says about the boating portion of the tour.
“Visitors are awestruck as they take a ride that has been described as both ‘peaceful and eerie’ as the boat glides through the lifeless water, illuminated only by small, sporadically placed electric lights,” it adds.
Last year, eight people were rescued by U.S. Air Force personnel after their boat flipped over off Florida’s Gulf Coast, catching the attention of a dangerous bull shark.
The rescue was very difficult due to tall waves, forcing the patrol boat to call for backup. The Coast Guard and Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office also responded to the emergency.
This was a breaking news story. The details were periodically updated as more information became available.
