Search and Rescue Efforts Underway After Boating Accident on Upper Niagara River

A multi-agency search and rescue operation is ongoing in the Upper Niagara River after a boating accident left two individuals missing late Tuesday night.

At approximately 9:45pm, emergency crews were dispatched to the area near the New York State Power Authority water intakes following reports of a capsized vessel.

The boat reportedly struck a cement piling that supports transmission line towers before overturning.

Agencies currently involved in the search include the New York State Park Police, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Grand Island Fire Department, City of Tonawanda Marine Unit, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Air 1 helicopter.

Crews remained on scene actively searching the water as the effort to locate the missing boaters continues.

It is unknown how far down the upper Niagara River both individuals may be due to the strong undercurrent.

Already only a few miles of Niagara Falls, the closer both individuals drift toward the falls themselves the faster current gets.

With an astonishing flow of over 700,000 gallons of water per second hurtling over the falls, the river generates an immensely forceful and rapid current as the falls approaches.

These waters, and then the rapids that follow, can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Search and Rescue Efforts Underway After Boating Accident on Upper Niagara River