One Person Died During Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride After Boat Overturned In Water
LOCKPORT, NEW YORK (June 20, 2023) – One person died after a Lockport tour boat capsized in the Erie Canal and sent 16 people overboard an into the water.
Lockport police officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:30 a.m. on Monday. At least 16 people were inside of the tour boat as they examined the Lockport Cave.
It’s a fairly famous boat ride that has been around for several decades. For some reason, the boat flipped inside of the cave and dumped all 16 people in the water.
An elderly person became trapped underneath the boat and sadly drowned. Rescue workers had to break a hole in the cave wall to reach all of the victims.
Numerous other people trapped in the water were pulled out and treated for hypothermia. A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Lockport Boat Accidents
Boating can be a great recreational activity. But it also comes with certain risks. According to the United States Coast Guard, “From 2020 to 2021, the total number of accidents decreased 16 percent (5,265 to 4,439), and the number of non-fatal injured victims decreased 17 percent (3,191 to 2,641).” There are a number of factors that could potentially influence the likelihood of a boat accident including:
- Operational error
- Operational inexperience
- Speeding
- Alcohol use
- Mechanical failures
- Navigational rule violations
Boat operators have a legal responsibility to exercise due care to prevent accidents. In particular, there are many measures that boat operators need to take to prevent a boat from capsizing. Boats should not be overloaded. Nor should they be operated in rough waters. Many boats capsize when the driver makes turns too sharply. If a boat operator fails to exercise due care and a boat capsizes, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, a tour boat company could be liable if someone is injured while in one of their boats. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any fatal boat accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The boat involved should be examined.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The vast majority of boat accidents are preventable. Family members of any person that died in a boat accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. It is extremely important that all evidence is properly preserved after any accident.
Investigating New York Boat Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person that died in this accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Lockport boat accident. Our team of boat safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
