Emergency Responders On Site At Lockport Caves After Boat Capsizes

A very popular tourist attraction in Niagara County has a massive police and fire department presence on the scene after a boating accident has caused several to end up in the water at the Erie Canal.

What Is The Lockport Cave?

The Lockport Cave actually refers to two separate caverns that lie under the City of Lockport, in New York State.

One of the caves are a natural forming cavern made up of the dolomite and limestone bedrock that forms the ground in Niagara County. The other is a water tunnel that was constructed in the mid-1800s as part of the Erie Canal project that flows through Lockport, New York, on its way to Lake Erie. The water in the caves average around 4 feet deep in spots, with some areas being shallower, while others maybe a little deeper.

In recent history the Lockport Caves have be transformed into a popular tourist site where people are able to take underground boat rides and do other urban exploring.

What Happened At The Lockport Caves?

On Monday, June 12, 2023, there was a massive response by emergency services to the caves after reports of a tour boat crashing and capsizing into the underground water tunnel.

EMS, EMTs, Police, and Fire officers all reported to the scene where initial reports stated that at least 37 people were on the boat when it capsized with more than 20 people missing.

In a Facebook post by the Lockport Police Department, officials have stated they are working diligently to rescue everyone and bring them to safety.

Since the initial reports from earlier in the afternoon, more information has become available.

Latest Details About The Lockport Cave Incident

According to Michelle Roman, the Mayor of Lockport, there were 29 people on the boat at the time it capsized in the cave.

One person, a 60-year-old man lost his life in the accident. Another 11 people had various injuries, including one person who had a broken arm. Several people were transported to area hospitals for treatment and observation.